Kota Kinabalu: The State Government has implemented 14 educational assistance initiatives totalling RM210.25 million over the past five years which benefited many students statewide.

CM Hajiji said 90,296 higher education students, 184,911 school students, 1,500 schools including religious schools and 57 Sabah student associations in higher education institutions have benefited, in addition to implementation of 362 educational programmes.

This year alone, the State Government has allocated RM100 million for the Sabah State Government Scholarship, which is expected to benefit 5,000 students.

“This significant allocation proves the government’s capability and strong commitment in safeguarding the welfare of the people of Sabah through education as a long-term investment,” he said, when launching the Domestic Higher Education Student Contribution Assistance Initiative (Sentosa) 2026 at the Dewan Rafflesia, Kota Kinabalu Polytechnic, Thursday.

Some 3,366 students of Kota Kinabalu Polytechnic received Sentosa assistance in cash.

Hajiji said the assistance reflects the government’s concern for the welfare of Sabah students who are striving to gain knowledge for the sake of their own future, their families and the state.

It is also expected to ease the financial burden of students, particularly to enable them to return to their hometowns during festive seasons.

“This year, it is estimated that 30,000 Sabah students studying at higher education institutions within the state will benefit from the Sentosa assistance,” he said.

Hajiji said the State Government will continue all 14 education initiatives this year, including the One-Off Higher Education Registration Cash Assistance (Budi), Computer Assistance Initiative (Baik), Special Examination Cash Assistance (Bakti), State Education Savings Assistance (Bistari), PIBG Activity Assistance (Bagus), Sabah School Assistance (Bisbah), School Minor Maintenance Assistance (Balkis) and Special Education Programme Assistance (Bantu).

Also to be continued are the Sabah Education Excellence Awards (AKSA), Sabah Malaysia Student Secretariat (Semesta), Sabah Graduate Returns Home Assistance or Sabah Student Flight Ticket Subsidy (GRS-Subfly), Sentosa, One-Off School Activities Contribution (Sukses) and the new assistance MUET Registration Fee Assistance (Bayu).

He said the initiatives involve funding and facilities for various purposes, including higher education student registration, education programmes, and digital and facility support in line with the 13th Malaysia Plan agenda.

He said although education falls under federal jurisdiction, the State Government remains proactive in fostering continuous cooperation to ensure fair and equitable access to education for all levels of society in Sabah.

The effort is also in line with the implementation of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) 2.0 Roadmap for 2026–2030, which serves as the state’s strategic plan to enhance competitiveness and productivity in a sustainable and inclusive manner.

“Students are the future leaders. Focus on learning and training because knowledge is the key to advancing the state and the nation.

“Make full use of the ticket subsidies, cash assistance and zakat provided by the government, while also keeping abreast of every development agenda implemented by the state government, including infrastructure development for water, roads and electricity,” he said.