IPOH, Feb 8 — The state government through the Tuisyen Cikgu Saarani (TCS) programme has allocated RM2 million this year to help support Perak-born undergraduates who are facing hardship.
Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Saaarani Mohamad said funds for the Undergraduate Self-Sufficiency Aid and Emergency Aid this year have increased to RM1.4 million from RM600,000 last year.
“The Self-Sufficiency Aid is divided into two phases, phase one begins today until March 10 while phase two will start in August or September.
“Aid of between RM500 and RM2,000 will be given to full-time undergraduates from the second semester onwards and those studying at diploma and doctorate levels at public institution of higher learning (IPTA) accredited by the Public Service Department (JPA) and the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA),” he said after the launch of the aid programmes and handover of free food aid under the TCS 2023 initiative today.
Also present were State Education, Higher Education, Youth and Sports committee chairman Khairudin Abu Hanipah, Women, Family, Social Welfare and Entrepreneur Development committee chairman Salbiah Mohamed and state secretary Datuk Ahmad Suaidi Abdul Rahim
According to Saarani, the Undergraduate Emergency Aid is meant to provide not more than RM5,000 assistance to those facing calamity or disaster depending on the types of emergency cases.
“All qualified Perak-born undergraduates can apply online at the link www.eheyns.com.my/bantuan-khas-mahasiswa,” he said
Saarani also said the state government has decided to continue with the Student Food Aid programme under TCS initiative with an allocation of RM2.8 million.
“More than 28,000 students from 256 schools in Perak involving Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM), Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM), Sijil Tinggi Agama Malaysia (STAM) and Sijil Vokasional Malaysia (SVM) candidates are expected to benefit from the programme.
“All examination candidates involved will be given lunch food aid for 20 days when attending extra or intensive classes throughout the examination period,” he said.
Earlier, Saarani received donations from five Perak government-linked companies (GLC) to fund the programme namely, Perak Water Board (LAP) and Perak Agricultural Development Corporation (PPPNP) which each contributed RM1 million.
Menteri Besar Incorporated (MB Inc.) contributed RM700,000, State Secretary Incorporated (SSI) (RM500,000) and Perak State Development Corporation (PKNP) (RM200,000). — Bernama
