Politics · Malaysia Bureau
Zahid pushes for free air tickets scheme targeting B40 students
Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has directed the relevant ministry to examine a proposal for providing complimentary air travel to lower-income students. The initiative would expand beyond federal efforts, with state-level governments also being encouraged to participate.
LSN Malaysia ·
Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, president of the United Malays National Organisation, has instructed ministry officials to explore the feasibility of offering free air tickets to students from households in the bottom 40 percent income bracket, known as the B40 group.
The proposal aims to improve accessibility and mobility for underprivileged students, potentially opening opportunities for educational advancement and broader exposure beyond their immediate geographical areas.
In a bid to widen the programme's reach, Zahid has also approached heads of state governments under Umno administration, urging them to consider implementing similar schemes using state resources. This decentralised approach would allow individual states to tailor assistance to their respective student populations and regional needs.
The initiative reflects ongoing efforts by the ruling coalition to address socioeconomic disparities through targeted welfare programmes, particularly benefiting Malaysia's most vulnerable demographic groups.