Kota kinabalu: The Sabah government has dedicated RM136 million to the Sabah State Government Scholarship (BKNS) this year, highlighting its ongoing commitment to enhancing higher education in the region, according to Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, this allocation marks the highest investment to date, showing a significant increase from the RM50 million allocated in 2020. The rise underscores the state government’s resolve to provide educational opportunities to youth across all socio-economic backgrounds. “This is the government’s long-term investment project to develop quality human capital that is competitive. We don’t want young Sabahans to be left behind in education due to financial constraints,” said Hajiji in a speech delivered by Sabah Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif at the Sabah university student aid presentation (SENTOSA) at Universiti Malaysia Sabah.

Hajiji noted that 4,170 students are set to benefit from the scholarship programme this year. This initiative aligns with the objectives of Sabah Maju Jaya, which aims to empower the education sector as a foundational element of state development.

In addition to the scholarship allocation, the Sabah government has set aside RM77.5 million for 13 education initiatives designed to support schools, parent-teacher associations, Sabah student associations, and tertiary students. These initiatives include one-off cash aid for registrations, support for purchasing computers, and assistance with flight fares for Sabah students.

To further sustain educational support efforts, Hajiji mentioned that the Sabah State Education Fund, introduced in June 2022, has already benefited nearly 10,104 recipients, with an expenditure of RM15.8 million.