KOTA KINABALU: The Federal Government has approved a RM60mil allocation for the construction of the third phase of the Sabah Institute of Islamic Studies and Dakwah (Ipdas) in interior Keningau district.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the ongoing construction is expected to be completed in 2026, adding that it would be able to cater for another 300 students.
The Keningau campus would subsequently be able to accommodate 700 students, he added.
“I am confident with the expansion, Ipdas will be supplied with sufficient lecturers and trained manpower,” he said during Ipdas’ 18th Convocation in Keningau on Tuesday (Aug 20).
“This will not only be conducive for the students and community at the campus but would also improve the quality of education in Sabah.
“I welcome the move by the federal government through the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) which is attentive to the issue of upgrading educational facilities in Sabah, particularly Ipdas,” he added.
The Chief Minister also expressed confidence in Ipdas as a provider of higher education under Jakim in churning out professional pendakwah (preachers) in the community.
Hajiji said the Sabah government welcomed companies to invest in the state so as to provide job opportunities to the younger generation.
“This is in line with the state’s Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development plan’s direction,” he said.
