Kuala Lumpur: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi will propose additional funding for the expansion of Universiti Poly-Tech Malaysia (UPTM)’s campus at the Cabinet meeting next week. He said the matter would be conveyed to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to be given priority.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid noted that despite being from different political parties, Minister of Communications Datuk Fahmi Fadzil and he will quietly convey to the Prime Minister the need to prioritize additional funding for education and a larger campus at the university. He made these remarks at the Amazing Syawal UPTM 2025 event.
Ahmad Zahid, who also serves as the Rural and Regional Development Minister, emphasized the necessity for UPTM to be fully equipped with world-class learning facilities. These include ‘Smart Classrooms’ fitted with interactive intelligence panels, high-speed internet, and amenities that meet the latest learning needs. He highlighted plans for UPTM to offer a Bachelor in Artificial Intelligence programme by the end of the year, citing the anticipated increase in student numbers as a key factor driving the need for campus expansion.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Fahmi, Deputy Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Rubiah Wang, Communications Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa, Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission Executive Chairman Tan Sri Mohamad Salim Fateh Din, and Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki.
In his address, Ahmad Zahid urged Asyraf Wajdi to take firm action against students misusing high-speed internet facilities for inappropriate activities. He advocated for expelling students involved in activities with sexual elements to maintain a conducive learning environment.
Additionally, Ahmad Zahid called on UPTM graduates and alumni to uphold humanitarian principles and adhere to religious values and the Rukun Negara. He encouraged UPTM’s management to proactively recruit students from Maahad Tahfiz into professional fields by engaging directly with mudir to identify potential candidates.
He noted that there are currently 17 Maahad Tahfiz students at UPTM and 30 at KPTM, which he deemed insufficient given the 125,000 students in 1,199 registered Maahad Tahfiz nationwide.