KOTA SAMARAHAN: Kolej Poly-Tech MARA (KPTM) is set to establish its first campus in Sarawak by November 2026, a move aimed at expanding access to technical and vocational education for local youths.
Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Rubiah Wang said that the initiative marks a significant step in ensuring Sarawakian students can pursue high-quality tertiary education without having to travel to Peninsular Malaysia.
“The KPTM campus in Sarawak is expected to begin operations by November 2026 at the latest.
“However, we have already set up a management office in Kota Samarahan since October this year to oversee administrative and operational preparations,” she said.
Rubiah, who is also Kota Samarahan MP, was speaking to the media after officiating at the SmartBiz Desa @ Kota Samarahan programme held at the INFRA Campus here today (Nov 8).
She said the temporary campus will be located at Uni Garden, adjacent to GiatMARA Samarahan, while plans are underway to develop a permanent campus in Kota Samarahan.
“For the first phase, we are targeting about 300 students next year in two key programmes; Digitalisation and TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language),” she explained.
According to her, the new campus will complement Sarawak’s growing education ecosystem, aligning with the state government’s vision to make Samarahan a hub for higher learning alongside UNIMAS and UiTM.
“This collaboration with the Sarawak Government ensures there is no overlap in technical or vocational training.
“With KPTM’s presence here, more Sarawakian youths will be able to pursue affordable education locally,” Rubiah added.
To support Sarawakian students currently studying in Peninsular Malaysia, KPTM has also introduced flight ticket and registration assistance to ease their financial burden.
“For the October intake, a total of 250 Sarawakian students have received these incentives while undergoing training at various KPTM campuses in Peninsular Malaysia,” she said.
Rubiah noted that around 1,800 Sarawakian students have applied to KPTM, with only 250 accepted so far, reflecting the strong demand for the institution’s programmes.
She added that KPTM currently operates seven campuses and one university nationwide, with Sarawak and Sabah set to become the seventh and eighth locations respectively.
“The strategic location near UNIMAS and UiTM makes Kota Samarahan ideal for KPTM’s expansion.
“Once completed, the new campus will include academic facilities and student hostels,” she said.
Rubiah expressed hope that the presence of KPTM in Sarawak will create more educational opportunities, particularly for youths from rural areas, and strengthen local human capital development.
