Kota Kinabalu: Kolej Kemahiran Islam Sabah Usia (KKIS), a new technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institution under the United Sabah Islamic Association (Usia), is set to begin operations this year in Kota Marudu, offering new opportunities for graduates of Maahad Tahfiz in Sabah.
Usia President Datuk Sapawi Ahmad said the college, established in collaboration with Institut Kemahiran Islam Darul Redzuan (Ikdar), is currently awaiting the necessary approvals before commencing full operations.
Pending licence approval, Sapawi said KKIS has already launched its Distance Learning Programme (PJJ), allowing Tahfiz and madrasah graduates to begin their studies online.
“While awaiting licence approval, we have already started online learning or PJJ for our students, who consist of graduates from Maahad Tahfiz and madrasahs,” he said when met at the Usia Aidilfitri Thanksgiving Ceremony at the Usia Building here, last Saturday.
In addition to its TVET curriculum, KKIS will introduce an “SPM Express” programme aimed at helping Tahfiz graduates obtain the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) certification, which many currently do not possess.
“In addition to TVET, we will also introduce an ‘SPM Express’ programme to enable our students to sit for the SPM examination, as a large number of Tahfiz graduates do not possess SPM certification,” Sapawi said.
He said the initiative reflects Usia’s broader commitment to strengthening Islamic education and skills development in Sabah through six strategic priorities introduced since he assumed leadership in June 2022.
“These priorities include human capital development aimed at producing individuals who are knowledgeable, skilled, and of strong moral character in line with the needs of the ummah,” he said.
Sapawi also provided updates on several long-delayed development projects on Usia-owned land, saying they have now been reviewed comprehensively and are being implemented in a more structured manner.
Among them is the upgrading of the Usia building at the Sembulan Roundabout, which is now in its second phase.
He said the first phase, costing RM3 million, involved structural repairs to damage caused by a fire in 2012, including the construction of a penthouse.
The second phase, estimated at RM2.5 million, includes electrical wiring installation, office renovations, parking facilities and landscaping works.
Meanwhile, the strategic land development project at the former Toh Puan Hostel site in Sembulan is currently undergoing earthworks and piling as part of its initial development stage.
Sapawi added that the Plaza Sipadan project in Semporna is progressing steadily and is expected to be fully completed by 2027.
Earlier at the event, Sapawi and invited dignitaries presented Hari Raya contributions to asnaf and underprivileged recipients.
