Malaysia targets 70% of students in residential colleges by 2035

Malaysia plans to ensure that at least 70% of full-time undergraduate students at public universities and polytechnics nationwide have access to residential college facilities by 2035. This goal is outlined in the Public Higher Education Residential College Facilities Policy, developed in November 2024 through collaboration with the Malaysian University Housing Council (MAPUM) and student leaders.

Datuk Seri Dr. Zambry Abd. Kadir, the Minister of Higher Education, stated that the development of more residential colleges is part of a long-term plan to accommodate student housing needs, particularly for those from low-income (B40) families. "To meet the accommodation needs of students in universities, more student residential colleges will be developed as a long-term plan for their comfort, especially involving students from the B40 group," he said in the Dewan Rakyat.

He was responding to a question about concrete steps to address the shortage of residential colleges, which forces many students to rent off-campus at high costs. Zambry noted that during the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMK12) and the First Rolling Plan of the 13th Malaysia Plan (RP1, RMK13), the Ministry of Higher Education received nearly RM1.1 billion for replacing, upgrading, and restoring aging infrastructure and equipment in public higher education institutions.

Of this amount, approximately RM225 million was allocated for upgrading and refurbishing existing hostels to ensure more comfortable and conducive accommodation. Furthermore, 36 public university residential college projects have been implemented through public-private partnerships (PPP) during this period, with 15 projects completed, providing accommodation for up to 45,000 students. For RMK13, the government plans to build five new residential colleges in public universities via PPP, expected to house up to 21,000 students.