According to a report in The Star, the vouchers will be replaced by the upgraded debit cards known as Kad Diskaun Siswa 1Malaysia (KADS1M).

The cards, which will come pre-loaded with RM250, are being marketed by the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives, and Consumerism Ministry through Bank Rakyat, the report said.

The RM300 million allocation for the book scheme is expected to benefit 1.3 million students at higher level institutions of learning.

The daily quoted Higher Education Minister Idris Jusoh as saying the cards could be used to buy books, computer accessories and other academic/learning equipment at participating vendors.

He said this after launching the upgraded product at Universiti Malaya here yesterday.

Although launched in 2012, the debit cards only come into full force now, after years of students misusing the coupons, The Star said.