TATAU – A total of 12 students from the Kakus constituency who will be pursuing their studies at Public Higher Education Institutions (IPTA) have received educational incentive assistance, while two houses of worship were also awarded financial support at a ceremony held at the PRS Kakus Community Service Centre, Pekan Lama Tatau on Friday.
The event was officiated by Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department and Kakus Assemblyman (ADUN), Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai, who was accompanied by Datin Sri Melia Gelen.
According to Dato Sri John Sikie, the incentives are intended to ease the financial burden on parents and encourage students to pursue higher education.
He also announced that beginning in 2026, the Sarawak Government will fully cover admission fees for state-owned universities, under the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES). In addition, all Sarawakian students enrolled in IPT will receive RM1,200 in annual assistance (RM600 per semester).
He further explained that future allocations will be performance-based, rewarding students who achieve 6As and above with RM100 per A, while those who secure straight As will receive RM1,000.
At the ceremony, parents of the 12 students were presented with RM700 each, while one student who achieved full results received RM1,000, bringing the total allocation for education assistance to RM9,400.
In addition to student support, two religious houses of worship were awarded RM65,000 each, amounting to RM130,000 in total. The funding is expected to strengthen facilities and community activities at the respective institutions.
Dato Sri John Sikie also urged parents to encourage their children to focus on STEAM-based education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics), citing the growing demand for skilled workers in industrial hubs such as Samalaju.
He stressed that preparing students for careers in these fields would ensure they are well-positioned for future job opportunities.
The ceremony was also attended by Tatau District Pemanca, Pemanca Gerosen Jubin, alongside community leaders and parents.
The initiative reflects the Sarawak Government’s broader education agenda, which includes free tertiary education from 2026 and targeted incentives to reward academic excellence.
These measures are part of efforts to raise educational standards, reduce inequality, and prepare Sarawak’s youth for the demands of a modern economy.
For the families in Kakus, the assistance provides not only financial relief but also recognition of the importance of education as a pathway to social mobility and community development.
