Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) has announced plans to construct the Jelai Community College, aimed at enhancing access to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) for rural communities in Mukim Batu Yon.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir stated that the Department of Polytechnic and Community College Education (JPPKK) has been tasked with initiating the project planning. The new institution will be the 11th community college in Pahang and is set to offer programs in agrotechnology and sustainable agricultural technology, reflecting Jelai's strengths in agriculture and the agri-food sector.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the Jelai Community College was held at Dataran Santuari Eco Gahai, officiated by Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail alongside Minister Zambry. During the event, Minister Zambry expressed hope that the project will be realized within one to one-and-a-half years.

A MOHE statement revealed that the RM55 million community college is projected to accommodate at least 240 students, focusing on modern agriculture and related technology programs. The statement emphasized that the college signifies MOHE's and JPPKK's dedication to bolstering the nation's TVET ecosystem while ensuring educational access across various geographical locations.

Pahang Menteri Besar Wan Rosdy expressed gratitude to MOHE for approving this long-anticipated project, which the state government has actively pursued. The event was also attended by Deputy Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat and Cameron Highlands Member of Parliament, Datuk Dr Ramli Mohd Nor.