During the reveal of the Prihatin Economic Stimulus Package at the end of March 2020, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin had announced an RM200 one-off cash aid for students in higher education institutions, including those in matriculation, community college, polytechnics, as well as private and public institutions.

Following that, the aid is expanded to also include students who are pursuing their education in Form Six, diploma courses, and other equivalent qualifications. These encompass students in institutions under the Human Resources Ministry, Youth and Sports Ministry, as well as Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA).

The Finance Ministry has released a list of frequently asked questions (FAQ) regarding the aid, which you can find below.

What is the value of the one-off student assistance?

Every qualified student will receive a one-off cash assistance worth RM200.

Who is qualified to receive the assistance?

To qualify for the assistance, students must be a Malaysian citizen and an active full-time student on 31 March 2020 as per the following:

• Higher education students under the purview of the Higher Education Ministry, Education Ministry, as well as ministries concerned in various levels of higher education (e.g. community colleges, polytechnics, public universities, and private institutions).
• Students who are enrolled in courses equivalent to Form Six, Senior Middle 3, Sijil Tinggi Agama (STAM), vocational college diploma, diploma and equivalent to TVET, matriculation, foundation, A-level, International Baccalaureate diploma, Australian Matriculation, advanced diplomas, bachelors degree and equivalent, Masters and equivalent, PhD and equivalent, as well as courses with the same rank as diploma and above, which are approved by the government or any professional bodies in Malaysia.
• Higher education students under the purview of the Education Ministry and the Higher Education Ministry, or any higher education institutions which are registered.
• Higher education diploma students or equivalent, including full-time SKM4 students and above at institutions under the Human Resources Ministry, Youth and Sports Ministry, as well as the Rural Development Ministry.

How many recipients are there?

It is estimated that 1.5 million students will benefit from this assistance, consisting of 1.2 million university and college students, 100,000 Form Six and matriculation students, and 200,000 diploma or TVET students.

Can overseas students apply?

No. This assistance is only for students studying in Malaysia.

Can students check their eligibility status themselves?

Every student can check their respective eligibility through officers under the academic admittance affairs department, student affairs unit, or student development units at their respective higher education institutions.

What must students do if they feel they have fulfilled the criteria for the one-off assistance?

Contact the academic admittance affairs department, student affairs unit, or student development units at their respective higher education institutions to update the following documents/details:

• A copy of IC
• Bank name and account number
• A copy of a bank statement or bank book
• Mobile number/email

How will this assistance be given to students?

The assistance will be transferred to qualified students through their respective bank accounts starting from the end of April by the respective institutions.

What if the student does not have a bank account?

Assistance will only be transferred into the student’s bank account. Students must open a bank account if they don’t have one.

If my name is not on the list, what can I do?

Students can contact the coordinating officer at the academic admittance affairs department, student affairs unit, or student development units at their respective higher education institutions.

Will students who quit or deferred their studies before or during the movement control order (MCO) qualify for this aid?

Only students who are active up to 31 March 2020 qualify for this aid.

Are students who are currently in the midst of industrial training or work-based learning qualified for this assistance?

Yes, they are qualified for this assistance.

Are students who are in their final term and about to finish their studies in May 2020 qualified for this assistance?

Yes. This statement refers to students who are studying and active at their respective higher education institutions on 31 March 2020.

How do students who are undergoing industrial training and work-based learning apply for this aid?

Students can contact the academic admittance affairs department, student affairs unit, or student development units of their respective higher education institutions.

Are students who completed their studies before 31 March 2020 qualified for this aid?

No, because they are no longer active in their respective institutions.

Can the assistance be transferred through the bank accounts of the students’ parents or relatives?

No. Students must have their own bank account.

Can students open accounts at any banks?

Yes, students can open an account at any local banks. Any account created with local banks, whether Islamic or conventional, will be accepted. Tabung Haji accounts and Amanah Saham accounts are not permitted.

Who can the students refer to if they have any questions about this assistance?

Students can contact the academic admittance affairs department, student affairs unit, or student development units at their respective higher education institutions.

(Source: The Star)

• TAGS:
• Economic Stimulus Package
• FAQs
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Higher Education
• Higher Education Ministry
• Higher Learning Institutions
• Human Resources Ministry
• IPTs
• Majlis Amanah Rakyat
• MARA
• Ministry of Finance
• Movement Control Order
• PRIHATIN Economic Stimulus Package
• Students
• Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin
• Youth and Sports Ministry