They urged the Public Service Department (JPA) to emulate Mara which increased the allowance for its 4,149 overseas students last September.
One parent said his daughter had told him some students resorted at times to eating at centres that provide free food for the needy, while others have applied to their respective universities for hardship funding which is given at the discretion of the management.
The father, who asked not to be named, said students in Britain have been hit hard especially over the past year when inflation soared, leading to price increases in all sectors. “They are finding it tough to make ends meet.”
The living allowance for JPA scholarship holders in London is £1,045 (RM5,712), much less than the UK government’s recommended median of £1,312 (RM7,172) as of 2021.
“Prices have generally doubled compared to 11 years ago but the allowances have remained stagnant. A group of them had submitted an appeal to JPA for an urgent revision last year with statistics on the high cost of living,” he told FMT.
Another parent said the students have been made to understand that the appeal was relayed to the finance ministry last year but there has been no response so far.
“They are aware the government is cutting costs in many areas but being government scholars, they need to perform well and this cash crunch distracts them. The government should at least provide an interim hardship allowance for them to tide over.
“Most importantly, these students were selected to undergo courses there and return to serve the government. They have a seven-year bond,” he said.
In September, then prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob increased allowances for Mara’s overseas students to a maximum of RM7,600 a month. The amount varies for students at different levels of studies, from diploma to doctorate.
He justified the increase by citing the average monthly expenses for rent and utility bills in major cities being between £500 (RM2,733) and £730 (RM3,990). This takes up between 60% and 70% of the allowance received by each student.
FMT has sought comments from JPA and the finance ministry.