Budget 2026: Special Allocation For UiTM Boosts Bumiputera Education Ecosystem
SHAH ALAM, Oct 12 (Bernama) -- The special allocation for Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) as announced under Budget 2026 can have a direct impact on the varsity's efforts to empower the Bumiputera education ecosystem, including by expanding access to higher education for students in rural areas.
UiTM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Shahrin Sahib @ Sahibuddin said it could also strengthen high-impact research and improve student well-being through various aid incentives and campus facilities.
"UiTM welcomes the announcement on the overall allocation of RM18.60 billion to the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), which, among others, focuses on enhancing Bumiputera education through a special allocation of RM6 billion for MARA, Yayasan Peneraju and UiTM.
"We are committed to ensuring that every allocation channelled is optimally utilised to strengthen the infrastructure, student welfare, as well as academic and research capabilities,” he said in a statement today.
Shahrin said UiTM will continue to play a strategic role as a leading institution in developing competitive and high-integrity Bumiputera human capital in line with the aspirations of the MADANI Budget aimed at building a knowledgeable, prosperous and resilient society.
He also thanked Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for his trust in the varsity's role in driving educational excellence among Bumiputeras.
"UiTM is confident that the allocation received will strengthen its capability to implement its main mission of producing knowledgeable, ethical and globally competitive graduates. Once again, UiTM would like to thank the Prime Minister for his trust and strong support for Bumiputera higher education.
"UiTM stands firmly with the government in making the education agenda a success for all Malaysians,” he said.
On Friday (Oct 10), Anwar announced that the MOHE will receive a 2.76 per cent increase in allocation - from 18.09 billion this year to RM18.60 billion in 2026.
-- BERNAMA
