KUCHING: Politeknik Kuching Sarawak (PKS) has apologised to students over the unsatisfactory condition of its hostels highlighted on social media during the recent registration of new students, while assuring that immediate measures are being taken to improve accommodation facilities.
In a media statement today, PKS said student welfare remains its top priority and that it is committed to strengthening hostel management to provide a safer and more conducive living environment.
For the academic session I 2026/2027, the polytechnic successfully provided on-campus accommodation to 1,600 of its 1,663 new students, representing 96.2 per cent of the new intake.
PKS said the placement reflects the institution’s commitment to ensuring that new students have access to accommodation despite existing capacity constraints.
To address the issues raised, the management has implemented several immediate measures, including optimising the use of existing hostel space and facilities, providing additional hostel equipment in phases, carrying out maintenance and repair works, and replacing furniture where necessary.
The institution is also undertaking asset procurement to further enhance the quality of hostel facilities.
According to PKS, the initiatives are aimed at safeguarding students’ welfare, safety and well-being while improving the overall living environment on campus.
PKS noted that its current hostel facilities can accommodate only about 50 per cent of its total student enrolment.
As such, the institution said efforts to expand hostel capacity will continue in line with the Ministry of Higher Education’s aspiration of providing hostel accommodation for at least 70 per cent of physically enrolled full-time undergraduate students by 2035.
The polytechnic added that it will continue strengthening its hostel monitoring and management mechanisms to ensure facilities remain in good condition and meet students’ evolving needs.
PKS also expressed appreciation for the feedback received from students, parents and stakeholders, saying such input would help the institution continuously improve its service delivery and enhance the quality of higher education.
