The Sabah government aims to subsidise flights for 35,000 students this year, expanding a successful programme that helped nearly 20,000 students return home last year.
SHAH ALAM: The Sabah government is targeting 35,000 students to benefit from its flight ticket subsidy programme this year.
This projection follows the Federal Government’s support for the Graduan Rindu Sabah Subsidi Tiket Penerbangan (GRS/SUBFLY) initiative.
Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said the target is based on last year’s successful implementation.
The programme helped students cover travel costs to return to their home state.
“The GRS/SUBFLY initiative was first introduced by the Sabah government in 2024 following interactions and communication platforms with students,” he said.
He noted students had raised the issue of high flight ticket costs to return to Sabah, especially during festive seasons.
Armizan said the assistance was implemented last year in collaboration with the Transport Ministry.
Total expenditure for the 2024 programme amounted to RM11.7 million.
A total of 19,505 Sabah students studying in Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak and Labuan benefited last year.
Each student received a subsidy of RM600.
“The increase in the number of recipients aims to ensure more Sabah students can return to their hometowns,” Armizan stated.
He said this would prevent them from being burdened by high flight costs.
The state government also channelled RM6.79 million to 22,649 students through another initiative.
The Sumbangan Mahasiswa Pengajian Tinggi Dalam Sabah (Sentosa) is a one-off cash assistance programme.
It provides RM300 to help students cover transportation costs during festive seasons.
“The implementation of these initiatives reflects the state government’s commitment,” Armizan added.
He said it ensures the welfare of Sabah students continues to be given attention.
Armizan spoke at a press conference at the Setia City Convention Centre.
He earlier represented the Sabah Chief Minister at a Breaking of Fast event for students.
The event was attended by 1,200 Sabah students from 31 higher learning institutions.