The disbursement of students’ allowance (EWSP) to 21,000 matriculation college students nationwide, which has been delayed since August, will be paid latest by Oct 18.

The Education Ministry in a statement yesterday said the delay was because the ministry had to consolidate the balance of the existing financial allocation so that it could be used optimally.

“The ministry is committed to working and ensuring that the allowance is paid to the 21,000 students in 15 matriculation colleges nationwide by Oct 18, via the students’ savings accounts,” the statement said.

Since last month, more than 100 students of Labuan Matriculation College (LMC) had been receiving food and drink supplies daily from the college management after they were left penniless without the allowance.

The students, who are from low-income families, are among the 2,000 pursuing their studies at LMC.

- Bernama