MOT Expands FLYsiswa Initiative To Four Categories - Loke

SERDANG, Jan 13 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Transport (MOT) has expanded the FLYsiswa flight ticket purchase subsidy initiative to include four additional categories of educational institutions this year, Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced today.

The newly included categories are the National Academy of Arts, Culture and Heritage (ASWARA), Malaysian Energy Department Training Institutions (ILJTM), government-linked universities (GLU) and state government-owned institutions of higher learning.

Loke said RM24 million has been allocated for the implementation of the FLYsiswa initiative as an annual MOT programme starting in 2025, with an estimated 60,000 students expected to benefit.

Under the initiative, each eligible student will receive a digital voucher worth RM400, which can be used to purchase flight tickets from participating airlines, namely Malaysia Airlines Bhd, AirAsia Bhd and Batik Air, including Firefly and Air Borneo.

“The expansion of this initiative is expected to benefit an additional 6,278 students, while also recognising the important role played by these institutions in developing the country’s human capital,” he said at the MADANI and FLYsiswa 2026 Student Transport Carnival here today.

Also present was Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir.

Loke said that from 2023 to 2025, a total of 119,790 students, or 75.53 per cent of the 158,600 eligible students, had benefited from the FLYsiswa flight subsidy.

“The FLYsiswa initiative is a targeted government effort to reduce the financial burden on students who need to travel home.

“It is also part of the MADANI Government’s commitment to indirectly bridge the gap between Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, Sarawak and the Federal Territory of Labuan, fostering stronger family ties, harmony and overall well-being, particularly among students,” he said.

In a separate press conference, Loke reminded students to fully utilise the FLYsiswa initiative, noting that the digital voucher can be used for multiple flight purchases.

“The digital voucher is not limited to a single ticket. If a student buys a ticket costing RM180, the remaining balance can be used for subsequent purchases, especially when flights are cheaper if booked early.

“We want to give students flexibility, but they must manage their flight schedules and finances wisely,” he said.

-- BERNAMA