TANJUNG MALIM: The Higher Education Ministry will hold discussions with all Higher Education Institutions (IPTs) throughout the country to identify universities with student accommodation issues.
Its Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said he had been informed by the highest management of his ministry that there are several universities needing to address this issue urgently, but did not disclose the number or the universities involved.
“I have held discussions with the top management of the ministry to identify universities that need an immediate resolution,” he told Bernama after visiting the Ungku Omar Residential College at the Sultan Azlan Shah Campus, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) here yesterday.
Zambry said he came to hear the complaints and issues faced by students regarding accommodation within the university.
He added that the current accommodation capacity at the campus is only 40%, but UPSI plans to increase it to 70%.
“At present, about 7,000 students reside on campus, and our expectation is that the capacity here can increase to 14,000 by next October.
“However, I also raised concerns about the comfort of the students.
“I surveyed several units within the campus and asked the students; so far, they are comfortable. Even when increasing capacity, we must consider their comfort,” he said.
Zambry also said that high living costs, high rental rates, and limited rental housing outside are among the factors taken into account when assisting students.
Meanwhile, on the spread of Covid-19, Zambry said the situation in IPTs is currently under control, adding that his ministry will continue to seek guidance and instructions from the Health Ministry to curb its spread.
On Dec 13, the number of Covid-19 cases in the country was reported to have increased to 12,757 cases in the 49th Epidemiological Week (Dec 3 to 9), compared with 6,796 cases in the previous week.
