KUALA LUMPUR: Plans to expand the Universiti Poly-Tech Malaysia (UPTM) campus have been agreed upon to accommodate the future growth in student numbers, according to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Ahmad Zahid mentioned that a proposal will be presented to the Cabinet as part of efforts to support UPTM's growth, which continues to see increasing demand for its academic programmes.
"There is a pressing need to expand the campus, given the encouraging response to the courses offered at UPTM.
"With demand on the rise, it is crucial that the university is equipped with a larger facility," said Zahid, who also serves as the Rural and Regional Development Minister.
Ahmad Zahid said the proposal will be jointly presented with Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil to the Cabinet.
"As the minister responsible for rural and regional development, I support the call to expand the UPTM campus.
"God willing, Datuk Fahmi and I will relay this matter to the Prime Minister, hoping it will be prioritised under the supplementary budget for the development of a larger campus," he stated during his speech at the Amazing Syawal Hari Raya Aidilfitri event at UPTM on Thursday (April 10).
Zahid noted that UPTM currently has 6,500 students, with numbers expected to grow to 7,000 by year-end.
He also expressed hope that the student population will increase tenfold over the next ten years.
Zahid further expressed confidence that the expansion will enable UPTM to continue leading the way in producing a skilled and professional workforce for the country.
He also praised UPTM's achievement in earning Platinum status for its ACCA programme, describing it as a testament to the university’s growing strength and contribution to Malaysia’s higher education landscape.
