UEC Holders Who Don’t Pass BM Can Study For Free In Sarawak, Says State Deputy Minister

However, Sarawak's deputy minister of education, innovation, and talent development Dr Annuar Rapaee said university applicants should be proficient in English as the four participating institutions use it as its medium of instruction, reported Malaysiakini.

The four institutions are the University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) in Sibu, Curtin University Malaysia in Miri, Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus in Kuching, and i-CATS University College in Kuching.

Eligible applicants can enroll in 64 courses offered by the four institutions, provided they obtain at least five B's at the senior middle level of the UEC examination.

"This question is very important because it differentiates the policy we are implementing in Sarawak: whether BM is an important prerequisite for entry into our four universities, or whether it is also an important criterion for UEC students to qualify for free tertiary education.

"Yang Berhormat, the answer is no. We do not need BM for them to qualify for entry into our universities or to receive free tertiary education," Dr Annuar said during the state assembly yesterday, 13 October.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced on Monday, 12 October, that RM200 million had been allocated to FTES next year.

He said the continued initiative is set to benefit 10,600 Sarawakian students, reported the Borneo Post.

Abang Johari said his administration would continue providing targeted assistance to promote equal access to education and improve student welfare.

He salso aid the free laptop programme would continue next year with an allocation of RM30.5 million, providing first-year diploma and degree students with devices to support online learning, academic research, and coursework.

Another RM2 million has been allocated for the book voucher programme to help students purchase textbooks and other essential learning materials.

"We will also continue to subsidise PTPTN student loan repayment for Sarawakian borrowers who have demonstrated responsible financial discipline by repaying more than 30% of their total study loan amount.

"We are the only state in Malaysia that offers student loan repayment discount. In 2027, RM10 million is set aside to sustain this meaningful financial assistance programme," he said.