Anwar: RM500 domestic flight aid for new students travelling between peninsula and Sabah, Sarawak

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim delivers his speech at the national-level Malaysia Day 2026 celebration at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching yesterday. — Bernama pic

First Published: Thursday, 17 Sep 2026 8:56 AM MYT

Last Modified: Thursday, 17 Sep 2026 8:58 AM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 17 — The government has announced a one-off RM500 special assistance for domestic flight ticket purchases for every eligible new student of public higher education institutions (IPTA) for the September or October intake this year.

“The intake for public universities, polytechnics and community colleges is in September and October. This will benefit 7,095 students who need to fly between Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, Sarawak, and the Federal Territory of Labuan to begin their studies,” said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He announced the aid during the national-level Malaysia Day 2026 celebration at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching last night.

He said the measure was part of the Federal Government's commitment to easing the people's burden, alongside announcements on improvements to the BUDI Madani Diesel initiative and restructuring of special grant entitlements for Sarawak.

Anwar had earlier announced that Sarawak's interim special grant would be increased to RM1.5 billion this year, up from RM600 million previously.

He said the Federal Government would continue engaging with the Sabah and Sarawak state governments to finalise a sustainable formula to determine the annual Special Grant rate. — Bernama