SABAH will increase to RM52 million its allocation for scholarships and education-related cash aid next year.

This is in line with the state Education Ministry’s efforts to give poor students who excel in their studies an opportunity to apply for enrolment in the world’s best learning institutions.

Minister Dr Yusof Yackob said the allocation for 2019 is an increase of RM15 million from this year’s.

He said the state government will prioritise those from B40, or bottom 40% of households, families when selecting students for the aid.

“With the increase in funding, more Sabahan students will get to further their studies at both local and overseas institutions.

“We will also restrategise… to ensure our students are able to enter the world’s top 20 learning institutions,” he said during his state budget winding-up speech.

The state budget allocates RM238.37 million for the ministry, which was established as part of Sabah’s efforts to gain more autonomy.

Dr Yusof said the ministry is complementing the federal Education Ministry’s programmes, such as repairing dilapidated schools, building hostels, ensuring power supply for schools and tackling the shortage of local teachers.

He said RM40.38 million will be used to improve state libraries, which include rural resource centres and mobile libraries.

“The ministry will also work closely with the state Human Capital Development Department on skills-based programmes and courses”, with RM145.74 million allocated for the purpose. – November 14, 2018.