BKK: Dr Annuar dismisses claims of false promise, says over 21,000 applications stringently verified
KUCHING (July 18): More than half of the 42,000 applications for the RM1,200 Special Financial Assistance (BKK) for Sarawak students have been verified, with the remainder expected to be processed by the end of this month.
Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee said the verification process is ongoing and requires extra care as the scheme involves public funds.
'We have to be meticulous about it. We cannot afford to give it to someone who is not eligible and we also don't want to miss someone who is,' he told reporters after handing over education aid to underprivileged students at Technology College Sarawak (TCS) here.
Dr Annuar said this in response to accusations that BKK was a false promise.
'That (42,000 applicants) is a whole lot and it (the system) is jammed up. The accusation that the BKK is a lie and an empty promise is not true,' he explained.
He pointed out the verification is based on letters from universities, which has slowed down the process.
'Initially, we thought it could be done quickly, but this is the first time we are implementing this scheme.
'After this, only new intakes will require verification,' he said.
Dr Annuar pledged that payment to eligible students will not be an issue as alternative transfer methods are available for those without S Pay Global accounts.
BKK was scheduled to be officially launched by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg on June 28, with approved applicants to receive their first disbursement immediately after.
Dr Annuar also shared plans for the Siswa Balik Sekolah programme, which encourages students to give back to society during semester breaks by assisting primary school pupils and promoting interest in mathematics and science.
Discussions are being held with the Education Department and Sarawak- universities including Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak, i-CATS University College, University Technology Sarawak (UTS), and Curtin University Malaysia, to integrate the initiative with General Studies (MPU) under community engagement requirements.
During today's event, 118 TCS underprivileged students each received RM1,000 in education aid from Yayasan Taqwa-Majlis Agama Islam Wilayah Persekutuan (MAIWP) to help cover costs such as transportation, meals, and learning materials.
As a charitable arm of MAIWP, Yayasan Taqwa is dedicated to distributing zakat and implementing education welfare programmes.
The collaboration with TCS marks a strategic effort to support affordable higher education, particularly in Sarawak where accessibility remains a challenge for many. BKK Dr Annuar Rapaee lead
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