CAIRO: The State Government has approved RM1.85 million to help lessen the burden  of Sabah students currently studying in Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Jordan, said Chief  Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor. 

“The State Government understands the high cost of living faced by the students in the  Middle East,” he said while adding that Yayasan Kebajikan Sabah and Yayasan Sabah  would coordinate the assistance. 

The Chief Minister made the announcement at the gathering with Sabah students  currently studying at universities in Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia organised by  Yayasan Sabah at the Al-Saraya Intercontinental, City Star Hotel, here on Saturday. 

More than 200 Sabah students are currently studying in these countries. 

“I want all of you to stay focused on your studies and use this opportunity to learn the  Quran and Hadis in-depth. Having a deeper understanding will enhance your intellectual  value which will be an asset to you when returning to serve the country,” he said 

Accompanying him were State Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk  Mohd Arifin Arif, State Secretary Datuk Seri Panglima Sr Safar Untong and Yayasan  Sabah Director Datuk Haji Ghulam Haidar Khan Bahadar. 

He also witnessed the handing over of RM10,000 to purchase books for the Wisma  Yayasan Sabah library here from the Sabah Islamic Council (MUIS), Hadrah set worth  RM4,000 from the Perbadanan Baitulmal Negeri Sabah as well as computer sets to the  Egypt Students Association contributed by the State Science, Technology and  Innovation Ministry. 

The Chief Minister also had morning tea with the students before flying off with his wife  and entourage to Mecca to perform Umrah. 

On Mar 16, the Chief Minister visited the Gulf Information Security Expo & Conference  (GISEC) at the Dubai World Trade Centre. He was accompanied by Safar, Sawit  Kinabalu Group Managing Director Datuk Bacho Jansie and board members. 

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