Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah government has introduced the University English Test Examination Fee Assistance (BAYU) for all Form Six students, involving a financial allocation of RM918,750. Sabah Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif said the initiative would encourage more students to prepare themselves for higher education.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, all students, not only those from the B40 category, taking MUET (Malaysian University English Test) this year will have their exam fees paid through the Sabah State Education Department (JPNS). This announcement was made by Arifin after the declaration of the 2024 Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) examination results by JPNS director Datuk Raisin Saidin at Menara Kinabalu.

Arifin highlighted that the BAYU assistance focuses on funding the MUET examination, a compulsory subject for admission into bachelor’s degree programmes at public institutions of higher learning (IPTA). Furthermore, the state government is providing RM1,000 in assistance to 146 excellent STPM 2024 students and RM3,000 to one outstanding Sabah student at the national level.

He also mentioned that the state government has allocated substantial funds for implementing 13 educational aid initiatives benefiting students, schools, parent-teacher associations, and Sabah student associations both locally and abroad. Arifin emphasized that these initiatives aim to ease financial burdens and empower education in Sabah.