PRIME Minister Anwar Ibrahim today approved an allocation of RM25 million for the construction of 18 additional blocks of student accommodation for those studying at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (Upsi). 

Anwar, who is also finance minister, announced this during the “Temu Anwar” (Meet Anwar) session with about 5,000 Upsi students at Dewan Tuanku Canselor after launching the 2023 National Book Award at the educational institution. 

“The existing accommodation can only take in 7,804 or 36% of the more than 31,000 students here, this is the lowest rate compared to the 60% at other institutions of higher learning nationwide. 

“When I heard this, immediate action had to be taken. To increase the college’s accommodation capacity, I approved RM25 million for its expenditure,” he said to rapturous applause from the Upsi students and staff. 

Also present were Perak Menteri Besar Saarani Mohamad and Minister of Higher Education Zambry Abdul Kadir.  

Anwar said the project would be implemented under the Public-Private Partnership Unit of the Prime Minister’s Department. 

He said he had instructed the Finance Ministry to ensure the allocation was approved before the end of the year. 

Zambry, who made a working visit to the Ungku Omar Residential College, Upsi on Saturday, had said the Ministry of Higher Education would hold talks with institutions of higher learning nationwide to resolve student accommodation issues. 

During the visit, Zambry heard complaints from students regarding accommodation problems within the university. – Bernama, December 21, 2023.