Dedicated East Coast TVET Institution Proposal Being Considered - Ahmad Zahid

PUTRAJAYA, Sept 4 (Bernama) -- A proposal to establish a dedicated Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institution in the East Coast is expected to be among the highlights for consideration under Budget 2026, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said. 

Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, said the proposal is timely and aligned with the East Coast ecosystem, aiming to boost youth participation in the maritime sector – not just as small-scale fishermen but also as deep-sea fishermen and entrepreneurs in the marine industry.

“Although we already have the faculty of maritime studies at Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) in Lumut, Perak, perhaps a dedicated TVET institution in the East Coast should be considered, subject to suitability. Fishermen should not only remain fishermen but evolve into entrepreneurs, particularly deep-sea fishermen,” he said.

Earlier in his speech, Ahmad Zahid said a total of 60 high-impact proposals have been received from various stakeholders and reviewed by the ministry’s top management, with plans to present them to the Finance Ministry (MoF) ahead of the tabling of Budget 2026 on Oct 10.

“Although not all proposals can be met, we hope those that are truly high impact and high value will be prioritised by the MoF,” he added.

Ahmad Zahid said KKDW’s priorities include good governance for faster and more effective delivery, strengthening the digital economy, including digitalisation in rural areas, and promoting rural entrepreneurship.

Other areas of focus include micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), the green economy, improved quality of life covering employment, education, health and social well-being, as well as early childhood education.

He said the ministry also gives attention to basic amenities for the Orang Asli community, including upgrading homes, roads and modern business premises in collaboration with the government and private sector.

Rural infrastructure will also be strengthened through the replacement of old street lights with energy-saving solar-powered light-emitting diode (LED) lamps, while five regional development authorities are being reoriented to focus on socio-economic development.

These include the Penang Regional Development Authority (PERDA), Kedah Regional Development Authority (KEDA), Central Terengganu Development Authority (KETENGAH) and South Kelantan Development Authority (KESEDAR).

Ahmad Zahid said KKDW was allocated RM11.96 billion under Budget 2025, comprising RM4.47 billion or 37.4 per cent for operating expenditure and RM7.49 billion or 62.6 per cent for development expenditure.

As of August 2025, development expenditure performance had reached RM4.21 billion or 56.2 per cent, surpassing the national average of 54.1 per cent, while operating expenditure stood at RM2.54 billion or 56.9 per cent, he said. 

Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid, who is also UMNO president, confirmed he has yet to receive an appeal letter from former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin regarding his dismissal from the party.

“No, I haven’t received it yet,” he said briefly when asked about Khairy’s reported appeal letter to UMNO today.

Khairy, a former UMNO Youth chief, was expelled from the party in 2023. 

He was previously reported as saying he would consider UMNO Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh’s offer to facilitate his return to the party.

-- BERNAMA