KUCHING, Nov 12- Beginning next year, eligible Sarawakian tertiary students from families of lower income groups will receive a one-off financial assistance in the form of pocket money worth RM1,200.

This initiative was announced by Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg when tabling the state’s 2025 Budget at the state assembly yesterday.

According to him, "The financial assistance will benefit 25,000 Sarawakian students from families of lower income groups with household per capita income of RM1,500 or below per month."

"The money given is to be spent on food and essential goods to help them mitigate the cost of living. Under this budget, a sum of RM30 million will be allocated for this purpose,” he said.

Abang Johari also announced an allocation of RM15 million to provide National Higher Education Corporation Fund (PTPTN) loan repayment discount of 30 percent for graduates.

Book vouchers worth RM500 and free laptop initiatives for university students from B40 group will also be extended next year, with allocations of RM2 million and RM30.5 million respectively.