MARANG (April 13): Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has urged for the ускорation of the Terengganu Matriculation College project in Bukit Payong, stressing the need to expand access to higher education in the state.
The project, which begins with an initial allocation of RM27 million, is expected to address the growing demand for matriculation placements, particularly as applications from Terengganu have exceeded 7,000. Notably, the state currently lacks its own matriculation institution, making the development both necessary and urgent.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Anwar highlighted that expediting the construction would allow students to benefit from the facility sooner, in line with the government’s broader goal of improving nationwide access to quality education.
Once completed, the college will accommodate up to 3,000 students and feature modern academic infrastructure, including laboratories, student hostels, and comprehensive learning facilities. The project is also seen as a long-term investment in human capital development.
Also present at the event were Terengganu Menteri Besar Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, and Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh.
In addition to infrastructure development, Anwar reaffirmed key education policies, including automatic matriculation placement for students who achieve 10 As in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination. At the same time, the government will maintain the 90% Bumiputera quota to ensure equitable access and prevent widening socio-economic disparities.
He emphasised that these measures aim to strike a balance between meritocracy and inclusivity, ensuring that high-achieving students are rewarded while still safeguarding opportunities for underrepresented groups.
The Prime Minister also encouraged Malaysian youth to strengthen their capabilities in research, science, and technology. He pointed to the resilience of countries like Iran as an example of how strong education systems and national unity can help a nation withstand external pressures.
What I Learned
This development underscores the critical role of education infrastructure in supporting national growth and social mobility. Building a matriculation college in Terengganu not only addresses immediate capacity shortages but also creates long-term opportunities for students in the region. It also highlights how government policies must balance merit-based access with social equity to ensure inclusive development. Additionally, the emphasis on science, research, and technology reflects the growing importance of knowledge-based economies in strengthening a country’s resilience and global competitiveness.
Malaysia