S'wak pushing for Dayak community progress via free education, rural development
KUCHING: The Sarawak government is committed to enhancing the economic and social standing of the Dayak community through initiatives such as free higher education and the continued development of rural infrastructure.
This, said Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg, was in line with the goals outlined in the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030).
He said education remains the most powerful tool to ensure inclusive progress among all communities in Sarawak.
"The Sarawak Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) is expected to cost the state RM300 million in its first year of implementation next year, benefitting around 10,000 students at four state-owned universities.
"I believe this initiative will open doors for many Sarawakian youths, especially those from low-income families and rural areas, to pursue degree-level studies in selected fields," he said in his message ahead of the Gawai Dayak 2025 celebration tomorrow.
Abang Johari said the programme covers full tuition fees and includes an annual living allowance of RM15,000 for students from households earning RM1,500 and below.
He also said Sarawak's revenue has surged to RM15 billion in 2024, compared to RM6 billion eight years ago, enabling the state to intensify efforts in infrastructure development, including the construction of roads, bridges and coastal highways.
He said the construction of bridges across the state reflects the state government's commitment to improving transportation infrastructure, thereby facilitating the movement of people, agricultural produce and local industrial goods.
Meanwhile, the premier said the Sarawak government was considering a proposal to convert 5,000km of decommissioned logging roads, such as those in the Kapit division, into public roads.
"If implemented, this plan would greatly improve rural connectivity with a more structured road system," he said.
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