RM24 million allocation aims to ease domestic travel costs for 60,000 students
Rising travel costs have long burdened Malaysian students studying far from home. In 2026, the federal government is reinforcing its commitment to education access and mobility through a renewed and expanded flight subsidy programme.
Government Commitment to Student Mobility
The Malaysian government has allocated RM24 million, approximately S$7.59 million, for its student flight subsidy programme in 2026. Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced the funding on Jan 13 during the programme’s launch at Universiti Putra Malaysia. The initiative is expected to benefit up to 60,000 students nationwide.
How the FLYsiswa Programme Works
Known as FLYsiswa, the programme was introduced in 2023 to help students manage the high cost of domestic air travel between Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia during semester breaks. Eligible students receive a RM400 voucher that can be used for economy class tickets, either one way or return.
Participating Airlines and Eligibility
The voucher can be redeemed through participating airlines, including Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, Batik Air, Firefly, and MASwings. According to the Ministry of Transport, the subsidy applies strictly to domestic routes and is designed to ensure fair access to affordable travel for students studying far from home.
Expanded Coverage in 2026
For the first time, the programme has been expanded beyond public university students. It now includes students from the National Academy of Arts, Culture and Heritage, Department of Labour industrial training institutes, as well as government and state-linked universities. This expansion is expected to benefit an additional 6,278 students.
Uptake Trends and Student Response
Official figures show strong participation since the programme’s launch. About 37,000 students, or 75 percent of those eligible, claimed the voucher in 2023, rising slightly to 37,500 in 2024. In 2025, around 44,700 students made claims despite more than 50,000 qualifying, according to figures cited by the New Straits Times.
Phased Distribution Timeline
The 2026 edition will be rolled out in three phases. Students registered by Sept 30, 2025, will receive vouchers from Jan 1, 2026. Those registered between Oct 1 and Dec 31, 2025, will receive theirs in March, while registrations from Jan 1 to Mar 31, 2026, will receive vouchers in July, ensuring smoother administration and access.
Malaysia’s expanded student flight subsidy reflects a broader effort to reduce regional inequality and strengthen national connectivity. For Indonesians observing cross border education trends and Singaporeans with academic ties to Malaysia, the programme highlights how targeted transport policies can directly support student welfare, mobility, and long-term human capital development.
Sources: Asia One (2026)
Keywords: Malaysian Students, Flight Subsidy, Domestic Travel, Anthony Loke, East Malaysia
