{
  "id": 7806638,
  "title": "PM: RM1.5b for Sarawak, one-off flight aid for public uni students",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/16/pm-rm1-5b-for-sarawak-one-off-flight-aid-for-public-uni-students",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-16T14:12:57.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/09/1534302/pm-rm15b-sarawak-one-flight-aid-public-uni-students"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced RM1.5 billion in special funding for Sarawak, along with one-time help for students from public institutions to buy flight tickets. The aid was outlined in a Malaysia Day message, showcasing steps to alleviate people's struggles and bolster federal-state relations. This funding is part of several initiatives to ease the nation's burden and strengthen ties between the federal government and Sabah and Sarawak. Other measures include enhancements to the Budi Diesel program for citizens and assistance for eligible students at public higher education institutions to purchase flight tickets. The RM1.5 billion allocation for Sarawak comes as negotiations continue over the state's claim to 40% of net revenue. The aid reflects the principles of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), a pact emphasizing respect for the rights and interests of Sabah and Sarawak within the Federation. Anwar shared these measures on Facebook, highlighting their purpose in embodying the spirit of MA63 and ensuring that national developments translate into tangible benefits for the people. The Prime Minister and the Madani government remain committed to ensuring that the nation's progress benefits all regions equally, striving for a prosperous and dignified future for Sabah, Sarawak, and the Peninsula.",
  "summary": "KUCHING: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today announced an RM1.5 billion special grant for Sarawak, as well as one-off assistance for eligible new students at public higher education institutions to purchase flight tickets.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}