Kota Kinabalu: Thousands of students across Sabah benefited from Gagasan Rakyat’s back-to-school initiatives, which included providing free haircuts and school supplies to ease parents’ financial burdens.
In Kota Kinabalu, the party’s youth wing partnered with the newly opened VS13 at Centre Point to offer free haircuts over the weekend. Youth wing chief Safwan Faisyal Diego said the effort was purely community-driven. “God willing, we will continue this throughout the school season. This follows our donation of 900 pairs of school shoes to Pulau Gaya, and next we hope to include stationery,” he said.
Advertisement
A visiting family from Kunak, who happened to come across the offer, brought all four of their sons, from preschool to Primary 6, for haircuts. Father Samsu Tasakka said a haircut in Kunak costs RM8 per child.
“Here, the cuts are higher quality and we got them for free. It sure saved us money, which we could use for other things. We are really thankful and hope more families can benefit like us,” he said.
Hair stylist and shop owner Hafizuddin Sudirman, 22, said participating meant more than business. “Doing this for the community gives me a warm feeling. I hope this programme can continue for the sake of Sabahans. “I encourage other barbers to take their own initiative to help kids and the community.”
In Penampang, Moyog division chief Datuk Ceasar Mandela Malakun launched Ceasar’s Cut & Go, involving 19 barber shops from Kepayan to Nambazan. “This initiative helps parents prepare their children for school while giving students confidence. Gagasan Rakyat’s programmes show our commitment goes beyond politics,” he said.
In Putatan, GRS and Gagasan Rakyat Tanjung Keramat organised free haircuts at Servay Putatan. Tanjung Keramat assemblyman Shah Alfie Yahya said the initiative reduced parents’ expenses while boosting students’ morale. “Gagasan Rakyat’s programmes show that social responsibility comes first alongside political service,” he said.
Tuaran drew large crowds at three locations – the Tuaran field and the Tamparuli and Kiulu halls – during the Back To School 2026 and Rahmah Sales programme.
Leading the initiative with the Tuaran Youth Town Club, Mohammad Ghazali Hajiji said free haircuts and school supplies were more than assistance. “They encourage our children to start school with joy and confidence,” he said.
In Banggi, Gagasan Rakyat’s youth wing reached students across Karakit, Kobong, Lok Tuhog, Batu Layar, Limbuak Darat and Kg Sabur. Assemblyman Datuk Mohammad Mohamarin, who sponsored the programme, said more than 370 students and several teachers benefited.
In KUNDASANG, free haircuts and the distribution of school bags was held at the Kundasang Town Cultural Stage, Saturday.
The programme was organised by Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) DUN Kundasang. Deputy Chief Minister of Sabah, cum Minister of Works and Utilities (KKRU) and Kundasang Assemblyman, Datuk Dr Joachim Gunsalam said it is to help school children and parents prepare to return to school after the long holiday.
“It took place from 8am to 2pm and received an encouraging response from parents and children.
In TAWAU, more than 150 children benefited from a Free Haircut Programme held at Masjid Nurul Huda, Kampung Airport Lama, on Sunday. Assistant Minister of Women, Health and Community Wellbeing Datuk Rina Jainal said the village was the 11th location for the programme, which targeted up to 200 children.
“The cost of a haircut, which can exceed RM20 per child, can be a burden for some families, particularly those with many children, especially as the school term approaches,” she said.
