Hajiji said that since he took over the state’s administration in October 2020, he had set aside more funds for the initiative over the years.

He said that five years ago, RM50 million was set aside. This was increased to RM55 million in 2021, RM101 million in 2023, and RM113 million last year.

For 2025, his administration had allocated RM128 million, which represented a 150% increase from the sum set aside five years ago, he said at an event with university students in Kuala Lumpur today.

His speech was read by state science, technology and innovation minister Arifin Arif.

Hajiji said the Sabah education fund, established in 2022, had benefited 7,483 students from B40 households.

He said several education-related initiatives were also implemented, including the budi cash assistance for higher education enrolment.

Under the scheme, undergraduates receive RM2,000, while diploma or matriculation students receive RM1,500.

Hajiji, who chairs the Yayasan Sabah’s board of trustees, said the group had consistently sponsored students in Sabah through various schemes.

The initiatives include the Sabah state excellence scholarship, the public university scholarship, and higher education loans.

“The group’s commitment to educational development is shown in the 86% increase in funds to RM67.17 million last year from the RM36.04 million set aside in 2021,” he said.