BANGI: Public Service Department (PSD) scholars will soon be receiving at least an additional RM100 in their monthly allowance, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said scholars who were studying locally would receive an additional RM100, while those studying overseas would receive an extra 15%, except for those in the United Kingdom, which already had an increase in their allowance in November.
"From July 1, (PSD sponsored) students (studying in Malaysia) will receive an additional RM100," he said during his Cakna Madani session with the PSD scholars at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia on Tuesday (June 13).
He said the allowance increase is necessary as there are students who raised concerns regarding the cost of living - from having to eat instant noodles for meals and barely being able to afford their books.
Anwar said the government would be using the savings from the reduced subsidies to fund the extra allowance so that the students were able to study comfortably.
He also said that as the government was able to better control the subsidies, they could minimise the fees of public institutions of higher learning (IPTAs).
Separately in a statement, Anwar said the additional allowance would amount to roughly RM52.03mil for six months and will benefit 43,595 PSD sponsored students.
"This initiative to review the allowance rate will enable government sponsored students to focus on achieving academic excellence without thinking about the financial burden of studies while also ensuring that the government's sponsorship offer remains relevant and prestigious," he added.
