Financial aid for Palestinian students in Malaysia comes entirely from public and corporate donations, with no government funds involved, the Higher Education Ministry clarified.

KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Higher Education has clarified that financial assistance for Palestinian students in Malaysia is funded entirely through public and corporate donations.

Deputy Minister Adam Adli Abdul Halim said the aid is channelled through the Humanitarian Trust Fund for the People of Palestine, which is administered by the Foreign Ministry.

“This assistance was established following the decision of the Cabinet on Nov 24, 2023, and I wish to emphasise that it does not involve government funding,” he said in Parliament.

He explained the funds are disbursed from donations by the public and corporate sector, with the Foreign Ministry managing collection and distribution transparently.

Adam Adli was replying to a supplementary question regarding aid for foreign students while local B40 students remain in need.

He listed contributors including Yayasan Raja Zarith Sofiah, the Johor Islamic Religious Council, Yayasan Al-Bukhary, and the Malaysian Relief Agency.

Several foundations under higher education institutions have also contributed to the special, one-off initiative.

As of Dec 31, 2024, a total of 375 actively enrolled Palestinian students received assistance amounting to RM4.3 million.

The aid covers tuition fees and living expenses based on ministry guidelines for living allowances at public universities.

Adam Adli said the fund aims to ease the burden of students directly affected by the conflict.

It does not represent full government sponsorship for all Palestinian students in public universities.

“The government will ensure that all approved assistance is disbursed transparently, with accountability, and guided by humanitarian principles,” he said.

This approach aligns with Malaysia’s commitment to global justice, according to the deputy minister.

 The Sun Malaysia