Back-to-school aid anchors Sarawak’s drive for inclusive education
by Aliah Abdullah · Borneo Post OnlineKUCHING (Jan 18): Sarawak is reinforcing a comprehensive education safety net for its children, starting with back-to-school assistance and extending to free tertiary education, as part of its commitment to inclusive and sustainable development.
Deputy Minister in the Premier of Sarawak’s Department (Law, Malaysia Agreement 1963 and State-Federal Relations) Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali said such efforts ensure no child is left behind due to financial constraints, particularly those from ‘asnaf’ (those eligible to receive tithes) families.
Speaking at the ‘Wakalah Zakat Back to School 2026’ programme here on Saturday, she commended Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) for its continued support of education initiatives in the state.
She said close collaboration between government agencies and corporate partners plays a crucial role in expanding access to education, especially for vulnerable groups.
“The synergy between government agencies such as the District Education Office and corporate bodies like Petronas, through the Petronas Muslim Staff Welfare Association (Bakip) Sarawak, is truly meaningful,” she said.
“Our aim is to ensure that all children in Sarawak have proper access to education, so they can attend school happily without feeling left behind or excluded,” she added.
Sharifah Hasidah noted that such partnerships reflect shared responsibility in community development and are aligned with Sarawak’s long-term development agenda under the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, which focuses on economic prosperity, social inclusivity and environmental sustainability.
She also called on more corporate entities to contribute to education initiatives as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts.
“These noble initiatives can only succeed through the collective involvement of schools, parents, communities, corporate partners and the government.
“Together, we can nurture future leaders who will one day give back to their families, society and Sarawak,” she said.
Meanwhile, Petronas senior general manager for group strategic relations and communications Anuar Ismail said the Wakalah Zakat Back to School 2026 programme is more than just a welfare initiative, describing it as an investment in the future of Sarawak’s children.
“At Petronas, we believe every child is a precious gem. Every opportunity given to them is an investment in the future. This programme is not merely social responsibility, but a responsibility of the heart,” he said.
Organised by Bakip Sarawak in collaboration with the District Education Offices of Kuching, Bintulu and Miri, the initiative channels ‘zakat’ (tithe) contributions from Petronas employees to eligible asnaf students statewide.
Anuar said the programme demonstrates the broader and more meaningful impact achieved when the corporate and education sectors work hand in hand.
The assistance, sourced from the Asy Syakirin Fund 2 (DAS2), supports essential school needs such as uniforms, stationery and basic learning equipment.
A total of 1,500 students across Sarawak are benefitting from the initiative, involving an allocation of RM450,000.
Each recipient receives RM300 through their respective parent-teacher association (PTA) accounts.
Anuar expressed hope that the aid would not only ease financial burdens but also serve as encouragement and motivation for students to continue striving in their studies.
“I hope this assistance becomes a symbol of hope and a stepping stone for them to pursue bigger dreams,” he said, adding that success should be measured not only by academic achievement but also by character, discipline and noble values.
Also present at the event was District Education officer Dr Majelan Sulong.