KOTA SAMARAHAN: Kolej Poly-Tech MARA (KPTM) is targeting 500 students for the first batch at its new Kota Samarahan campus, which is expected to begin operations next year.
Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Rubiah Wang said that while intake opened this year, Sarawakian students are currently being placed at KPTM campuses in Peninsular Malaysia, with about 1,800 students from Sarawak currently studying in Kuala Lumpur.
She said the campus will initially operate from rented shoplots opposite Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), near RHB Bank, which are currently undergoing renovation.
“Insha-Allah, next year we can begin classes in Sarawak, particularly in Kota Samarahan,” she told told reporters after officiating the GEMA@KKDW Samarahan 2026 programme at Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) compound on Saturday.
Rubiah said the proposed permanent campus will be located near the Samarahan Divisional Mosque, with the land application currently awaiting approval from the Sarawak government.
For the interim period, accommodation for students will be arranged through local homestays and nearby rental facilities.
She said the campus is intended to expand tertiary education options for Sarawakian students, particularly those who do not qualify for or secure places in foundation programmes or public universities.
She added that KPTM would offer courses aligned with Sarawak’s needs, particularly technical programmes required by the state government.
“This will give them an easier pathway to the state universities, which provide free education for this purpose,” she added.
