E-credit system to facilitate Sabah, Sarawak students' return home - Loke

SEPANG - The Ministry of Transport is set to introduce an e-credit initiative aimed at assisting students from Sabah and Sarawak studying at Higher Education Institutions (IPTAs) to travel back home during festive seasons or semester breaks.

Its minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook said the initiative would be implemented in August and is expected to be launched before Independence Day.

"This year, the government, through the Ministry of Transport, has initiated a programme to assist in the form of flight tickets for IPTA students.

"The credits will be directly credited to their respective accounts," he said.

Loke further explained that the system is currently being developed and will require integration with airline companies to facilitate IPTA students.

Loke during the launch of MYAirline Double Take-Off.

"The students can utilise these credits to purchase flight tickets," he added during the MyAirline Double Take-Off launch at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) 2 on Friday.

Loke also highlighted that if airlines offer discounts, it would provide further value and alleviate the financial burden on students.

He also revealed that there are over 50,000 Sabah and Sarawak students studying in Peninsular Malaysia, as well as those who are financially disadvantaged and unable to afford flight tickets to return to their hometowns.

"We hope that this assistance can alleviate the burden on the B40 group.

"The launch of the e-credit initiative will benefit approximately 50,000 Sabah and Sarawak students," he said.