KOTA KINABALU: The Pahang government is urging more of its people to pursue tertiary education so that they can contribute to the state's development.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail said while there was no shortage of human resources in the state, he wished that more anak Pahang would return after completing their tertiary education.

"Pahang has a large population and there are resources. However, we cannot even find anak Pahang to be appointed district police chief.

"It is not about kenegerian or looking down on those who come from other states, but Pahang
is experiencing a shortage of local-born talent to hold important positions.

"Hopefully, there will be more academicians. It will be better if more are enrolled in universities, as when they study, they will have knowledge to give back to Pahang," he said when presenting the Bantuan Prihatin Pahang cash aid at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) here.

Present was UMS Vice-Chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Taufiq Yap Yun Hin.

Through the Pahang government's Program Jaminan Kerjaya, there are 2,000 high-paying jobs
for Pahang graduates in information technology, engineering, finance, business and other related fields.

In April, the Pahang government, through Yayasan Pahang, announced the RM30 million 2022 Bantuan Prihatin Pahang initiative to benefit almost 300,000 recipients.

The one-off RM200 cash assistance to about 250 UMS students from Pahang is part of the RM9 million allocation under the Bantuan Prihatin Pahang to be given to 43,000 students nationwide.

"It is my hope that the donation would help students meet their needs.

"Although RM200 is not a big amount, the state government is always concerned about the welfare of Pahang students and will provide assistance."

He said UMS was the first stop for himself and Pahang officials, including exco members and the state secretary, to meet students.

Wan Rosdy said the visit was also to build rapport with students, who had to study far from their hometowns and families.

"It is just a normal programme, but for some, including Datuk Dr Taufiq, it is special, as this is also the first time a Pahang menteri besar has come to meet him.

"Students can also meet and get to know government leaders," he said, adding that the delegation would also visit universities in other states.

Wan Rosdy said students should keep abreast of current issues while excelling in their studies.

"It is one of the virtues for students to learn as much as possible but they also have to know about current developments in the state and country.

"They have to know about politics and the economy. This is part of the criteria as university students," he said, adding that youngsters now were given the privilege of voting.

He also highlighted the state's capability to be self-sufficient, including its stable finances.

He said the state raked in between RM760 million and RM890 million in annual revenue from 2019 to 2021.

This year, the state is aiming for RM1 billion in revenue.

As for other collaborations between Pahang and Sabah, Wan Rosdy said they were keen to work on experience and expertise exchanges.

"We know there are things that we came across but are not being implemented in Sabah. That's why we would like to invite UMS to discuss potential collaborations with us.

"However, it is still at the early stage, there is no concept yet. But we are confident of our strengths that can be accepted and adopted."

Possible collaborations, he said, included tourism and education opportunities for both states.

Wan Rosdy said each state was blessed differently in terms of its natural attractions and food.

He said Sabah had Gunung Kinabalu and delicious food, while Pahang had Gunung Tahan, Cameron Highlands and several islands.

"This, we can share together (in terms of promotion and other exchanges).

"Yayasan Sabah has also sent its students to Peninsular Malaysia. This will be the same for Pahang."

UMS's Majlis Mahasiswa Anak-Anak Pahang leader, Noratiqah Sukri, 24, said on behalf of Pahang students, she wanted to extend her gratitude and appreciation to the state government for the visit and cash assistance.

When asked about the cost of living in Sabah, compared with Pahang, she said it was still bearable.

"UMS is one of the universities in which the cost of living is not so high.

"Even in Sabah, (the cost of living) is still acceptable," said the post-graduate student in historical literature.