PONTIAN, May 14, 2026 (The Capital Post) — Ministry of Higher Education (KPT) has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding access to quality, inclusive and industry-relevant skills education through the construction of the new Pontian Community College in Johor.
According to information shared on the official Facebook page of Kementerian Pendidikan Tinggi, Higher Education Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir officiated the groundbreaking ceremony for the project at the Mukim Benut Penghulu Complex this morning.
The RM70 million project will be developed on an eight-acre site and is expected to be fully completed by 2028 or 2029. The college will focus on programmes such as the Certificate in Agrotechnology and Certificate in Sustainable Agricultural Technology, in line with the strengths of the agricultural sector and industry needs in Pontian.
Apart from offering full-time certificate programmes targeting an intake of 200 students, the institution will also strengthen the implementation of Lifelong Learning (PSH) programmes to benefit the local community through continuous access to skills training.
Zambry also announced that PSH programmes would begin as early as two weeks from now using existing facilities at the Mukim Benut Penghulu Complex, allowing residents to participate in courses related to entrepreneurship, sewing, cooking and various basic technical skills before the new campus is completed.
He stressed that every student possesses unique potential and that the government remains responsible for ensuring fair and meaningful access to education regardless of social background or previous academic achievement.
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According to him, the increasing number of applications to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions reflects growing public awareness of the value of skills-based education, which offers broader career opportunities and stronger graduate employability.
He added that community colleges are not merely educational institutions but also serve as community development centres that empower local communities, promote lifelong learning and help bridge socioeconomic gaps through education.
Meanwhile, Deputy Works Minister and Pontian Member of Parliament, Ahmad Maslan, said the community college project had been highly anticipated by local residents as it is expected to become a new catalyst for economic and educational development in the district.
Also present were Benut assemblyman Hasni Mohammad; Pulai Sebatang assemblywoman Hajah Hasrunizah Hassan; KPT secretary-general Aminuddin Hassim; KPT deputy secretary-general (Policy) Ahmad Rizal Adnan; Polytechnic and Community College Education Department director-general Dr. Shamsuri Abdullah; and Pontian district officer Haji Kamaluddin Jamal. – The Capital Post
