RM27 million Siswa Sulung programme helps 7,003 first-generation B40 students enter public universities with fee exemptions and financial support.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Siswa Sulung Programme has enabled 7,003 first-generation students from B40 families to pursue higher education at public universities since 2022.
Deputy Minister of Higher Education Datuk Mustapha Sakmud revealed the programme has received RM27 million in funding since its inception.
“It provides educational opportunities and financial assistance to first-generation students from B40 families, which are families that have never had a member pursue higher education,” he told the Dewan Rakyat.
The programme eliminates university fees for participants, reducing financial burdens and preventing excessive loan debt accumulation.
Mustapha said the ministry piloted the initiative during the 2022/2023 academic session with 75 students across eight universities.
It expanded to all fields of study at 20 public universities starting from the 2023/2024 academic session.
Responding to Wong Shu Qi (PH-Kluang), he provided programme achievements including recipient breakdowns by gender, ethnicity, state and institution.
Separately, Mustapha announced UPU Online now features enhanced transparency tools including application statistics and merit calculators.
“The new system displays only programmes that meet their academic qualifications and providing the average merit scores from the past two years,” he told Chong Zhemin (PH-Kampar).
These upgrades help applicants make informed choices while reducing complaints from high-achieving students.
Mustapha advised applicants to research options beyond top universities and consider their merit scores carefully.
To Abdul Latiff Abdul Rahman (PN-Kuala Krai), he acknowledged state-based placements could reduce family costs but noted out-of-state studies promote social interaction and national unity.
