TAMBUNAN: The Government will look into the needs of some community colleges in Sabah that require dormitories for students studying at the colleges, said Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadirdi.
He said the Government’s policy when establishing community colleges was not to provide dormitories.
“However, for areas in the interior in Sabah, Sarawak or the peninsula, we need to review it because the interest of students studying at community colleges has increased.
“For example, for those taking a two-year certificate course, they need a place to stay. Many students who live far from such colleges are now forced to rent houses in the surrounding area,” he told a press conference in conjunction with his working visit to the Tambunan Community College, here.
Zambry said he had asked the Director-General of Polytechnics and Community Colleges (POLICC) to look into the needs of community colleges in Sabah that require dormitories for students.
“The Government will study the needs and focus on where priorities should be given,” he added.
Zambry said his Ministry was committed to strengthening access to quality education in the rural areas.
“Community colleges play an important role as grassroots institutions that empower communities through education and skills, and the Ministry is committed to ensuring that Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) remains relevant, responsive to industry needs and inclusive for all levels of society,” he said.
“The Ministry will ensure the courses offered have market value, for example, the Tambunan Community College has several important courses, including in the fields of tourism, automotive, technology and agrotechnology,” said Zambry.
He said he was informed by the Director of the Tambunan Community College that 100pc of its graduates gained employment in their respective fields, which is a good achievement. Zambry also said the Lifelong Learning Programme (PSH) will continue to be expanded as a medium for community development in Sabah.
According to him, the PSH is not just an option but a necessity and through this programme, the local community can always have access to training, knowledge and new skills to improve their standard of living.
The Tambunan Community College is a Public Higher Education Institution that offers skills-based programmes and PSH to SPM graduates and the local community without age limits, in line with current industry needs and demands.
