Esh Increase For Psd Scholars Lauded, Call For Other Agencies To Emulate Move

KUALA LUMPUR, June 14 (Bernama) -- The government’s decision to increase the Living Allowance (ESH) for the Public Service Department (PSD) scholars is lauded for helping alleviate the students’ living expenses, with the hope that more educational financing agencies will follow suit.

Malaysian Press Institute chief executive officer Datuk Chamil Wariya said among the agencies that could emulate the move were Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) and the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN).

“In terms of the RM100 amount increase, it may not be sufficient, but I believe the assistance will somehow help reduce the financial burden of the students,” he told Bernama today.

Chamil said the students should also be wise enough to manage their finances.

A PSD scholar Muhammad Azib Zikry Abdul Halim from Universiti Teknologi MARA, said he was happy with the increase in the ESH, but felt that the amount was quite insignificant considering the current economic situation, especially for students in urban areas.

“It surely helps, but I’m not sure if it’s RM100 per month, which is equivalent to RM600 per semester of six months because, for PSD scholars in the country, the allowance is paid only once per semester.

“If it’s just RM100 for the whole semester, it’s not really worth it, more or less the same,” he said.

For another PSD scholar from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Siti Sarah Izhan Khalib, the additional RM100 per month would help in terms of daily meals and monthly essential expenses.

Another scholar from UKM, S.Thiruthanigesh said as a medical student in the university’s campus located in the Klang Valley, the cost of living is relatively high compared to those studying in institutions of higher education in other areas.

“So, I think the increase in the ESH is very good for UKM medical students,” he said.

The increase in the ESH rate involves a financial implication of an estimated RM52.03 million for the next six months beginning July and will benefit 43,595 PSD scholars, locally and abroad.

Meanwhile, Sabah Youth Council president Abqaree Fawwaz Abekan said the increase of ESH for PSD-sponsored students should be the benchmark for other educational financing agencies to increase the living allowance for their scholars.

He also expressed hope that the agencies follow the increased rate of the ESH, which is 15 per cent for overseas students and RM100 for local students.

“We hope the relevant agencies will consider the increase. We all know that the cost of living is on the rise and the living allowance for sponsored students should also be reviewed,” he said.

While lauding the announcement, Abqaree Fawwaz said it will surely help alleviate the financial burden faced by the students.

“We hope the student can make optimal use of the allowance increase and not waste it unnecessarily,” he added.

-- BERNAMA