KUCHING: The Sarawak government is providing a subsidy of RM300 to Sarawakian students to assist them with purchasing air tickets back home to the state during festive seasons.

However, they are only allowed to enjoy the subsidy two times per year, said Sarawak Volunteers advisor Fazzruddin Abdul Rahman, who is also deputy youth chief of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) and Tupong assemblyman.

This initiative came about after university students requested for it during a town hall session titled ‘Lan Berambeh Anak Sarawak 2018’ chaired by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg in Kuala Lumpur.

Fazzruddin, who is also Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) Youth deputy chairman, said that Abang Johari approved the initiative as it will help to ease the financial burden of full time university and institution of higher learning students. The universities and institutions of higher learning must be registered with the Malaysian Education Ministry.

The provision starts during this year’s Chinese New Year celebrations.

To enjoy the subsidy, all the students have to do is produce their air tickets and/or boarding passes and student verification documents.

This subsidy is applicable to Sarawakian students studying in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Labuan.

Detailed information on how to apply for the subsidy and terms and conditions can be obtained from the Sarawak Volunteers Facebook page starting Feb 1.

Fazruddin said this initiative shows that Abang Johari cares for the people, particularly Sarawakian students, and that he always keeps his promises.