DEBAK: Many rural youths want the federal government to continue with the 1Malaysia Book Voucher (BB1M).
This matter was brought up by students of SMK Saribas during the youth chat session ‘Belia…Apa kata kitak?’ with Saribas assemblyman Mohammad Razi Sitam which was held at Riveria Sport Centre here yesterday.
The students said BB1M, which was subsequently replaced with the 1Malaysia Student Discount Card (KADS1M), should be brought back.
“Before this, pre-university students (Form Six) as well as students at institutions of higher learning were eligible to receive RM250. Now with KADS1M, there is only RM100,” they said.
Razi, when asked to comment on the matter, said the previous cash initiative seemed to have left an impression.
“It certainly turns out that children appreciate government assistance such as BB1M. This is understandable because not all of us can afford to buy reference books and workbooks or other study materials.”
Razi said the change of government after GE14 had resulted in the change of many policies and one of these was BB1M.
He said the federal government had every right to make changes as it saw fit, but “on my part, Insha-Allah (God willing), I’ll bring the matter up with the state Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Research and Yayasan Sarawak”.
“Yayasan Sarawak does help with school uniforms. Let’s see what it can do. It is always our desire to help those who genuinely need our help,” Razi said.
