World · Malaysia Bureau
Zahid urges education ministry to consider free airfares for B40 students
The Umno president has proposed that the Higher Education Ministry examine offering complimentary air travel to underprivileged tertiary students. The suggestion has been forwarded to Higher Education Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir for review.
LSN Malaysia ·
KUALA LUMPUR — Umno President Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has called on the Ministry of Higher Education to consider implementing a free flight programme for B40 category students pursuing tertiary education.
Zahid said the proposal has been formally communicated to Higher Education Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir for consideration, according to a statement released on Wednesday.
The initiative would aim to enhance accessibility to higher education by removing travel barriers for low-income students, particularly those from rural or geographically distant areas who may face significant transportation costs.
The B40 classification refers to the bottom 40 percent of Malaysian households by income, a key demographic targeted by various government assistance programmes.
No timeline has been provided for the ministry's review of the proposal. The Higher Education Ministry has not yet issued a formal response to the suggestion.