Grads homecoming programme still on despite Covid-19 travel restrictions

KUCHING: The ‘Graduan Pulang Sarawak' Subsidy Initiative (iGPS) for Sarawak students studying in institutions of higher-learning in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Labuan is still running, despite the travel restrictions due to the Covid19 pandemic, says Tupong assemblyman Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman.

According to the elected representative, who is also Sarawak Volunteers advisor, there are still claims made by iGPS recipients that have been submitted to Yayasan Sarawak.

“At the moment, the iGPS is still on-going.

“Many classes now are conducted online, so only a few Sarawakian students are still at their respective campuses (outside Sarawak),” he said when contacted.

However, Fazzrudin was unable to provide any number offhand, including the number of iGPS applicants to date.

Announced by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg in 2019, the iGPS subsidy was meant to reduce the burden of Sarawakian students having to spend on exorbitantly-priced flight tickets to return home during festive seasons.

The programme's terms and conditions included each applicant being entitled to a RM300 subsidy for flight ticket purchases twice a year; being at the age of at least 18 when travelling home at the stipulated date; and being a fulltime student at any institution of higher-learning in Malaysia registered with the Education Ministry.

Applications could be made online via yayasansarawak.org.my, or by downloading the Yayasan Sarawak Student App available on both iOS (Apple App Store) or Android (Google Play Store) platforms.

More details about the iGPS could be accessed on Sarawak Volunteers' Facebook page, or by calling 011-3322 1107 during regular working hours.