Syed Saddiq Questions Why Teaching Institute Students Are Not Getting RM200 eBelia Aid
"Why are students from IPGs being left out? They're full-time students, and they're future teachers too!" Syed Saddiq wrote in a tweet.
By Aqasha Nalani — 27 Jun 2023, 06:06 PM
On Monday, 26 June, Muar member of parliament (MP) Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman shared a screenshot of a complaint that he received from a Malaysian student on Instagram
According to the screenshot, the student, who is currently enrolled at a Teachers Education Institute (IPG), also known as an Institut Pendidikan Guru, said they could not claim the RM200 eBelia Rahmah government aid.
"What is this behaviour? IPG students are also studying full time and (the institute) is registered with the Ministry of Education (MOE)," wrote the student.
"This is discrimination," they added.
The Muar MP stated that it was unfair for IPG students to not receive the same government aid as students from other institutes
"Why are students from IPGs being left out? They're full-time students, and they're future teachers too!" Syed Saddiq wrote in a tweet.
"Other students from both private (IPTS) and government institutions (IPTA) received the funds, no matter rich or poor. Why were they ostracised?" he added.
In October last year, during the tabling of Budget 2023, the government announced that all Malaysians aged between 18 and 20, as well as full-time students above the age of 21, would be eligible for RM200 of e-wallet credit.
At the time of writing, Syed Saddiq's tweet has garnered over 1,600 retweets and 4.4 million views
However, some Malaysians did not agree with his points.
One user pointed out that IPG students already receive a monthly allowance, so it's only fair that the eBelia Rahmah aid is distributed to others.
"IPG students are also 100% guaranteed a job, and the institute is not an IPTA, they’re only registered (as a standalone institute) under MOE.
"Why do you always point out things that can be discussed and asked directly to stakeholders?" they added.
Another commented that eBelia Rahmah was created to assist students aged 18 to 20, and has nothing to do with the teaching institutions.
But some netizens agreed with Syed Saddiq's opinion, with one asking why the government could not just give every student the financial aid.
Meanwhile, one IPG student admitted that they do already receive a monthly allowance of RM430.
However, the allowance is insufficient for them because they must pay for other basic necessities, including housing rent, debts, fuel, clothing, and so on.
"But it's okay, IPG students don't deserve to get the aid because we receive monthly allowance, right?" they asked sarcastically.
