KOTA BELUD: Yayasan Bank Rakyat (YBR) will invest RM3 million in Sabah's education sector in 2025, targeting 65,000 underprivileged students across several constituencies, including Kota Belud, Kota Marudu and Kudat.
The initiative aims to tackle Sabah's position as Malaysia's poorest state by providing educational support to students from asnaf (zakat recipients) and B40 families in rural areas.
Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick officiated the cheque presentation ceremony at Kadamaian Square, Taginambur, Kota Belud during the Santuni Madani KUSKOP Programme.
"YBR's continued support will transform educational opportunities for disadvantaged students in remote areas," said Ewon.
The funding will provide tuition, seminars, school assistance, initial education support, transportation aid, and village dormitory programmes for 2025 SPM candidates.
YBR's commitment to Sabah follows its RM20.4 million investment for education and community development programmes in 2024.
These initiatives have benefited 30,572 students, including those in higher education institutions, and 226 schools through initial education and school assistance programmes.
YBR is dedicated to assisting less fortunate Malaysians, Bank Rakyat members and their children in their education and personal development.