KOTA BELUD, 6 August 2026 (The Capital Post) – The Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) will develop Politeknik Kota Belud under the Third Rolling Plan (RP3) of the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13) to strengthen the supply of high-tech skilled talent for Sabah’s growing industries.
Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Diraja Dr. Zambry Abd Kadir said the RM250 million project is a continuation of plans initiated in 2017 and has now entered the implementation phase following the completion of the land acquisition process.
He said detailed design, planning and construction works will commence under RP3 RMK13, with the polytechnic targeted to begin operations in 2030.
Located in Kampung Kesapang, the institution will initially enrol 500 students and offer Diploma programmes in Information Technology, Electrical Technology (Green Energy) and Smart Agriculture Technology, aligned with current industry demands.
Zambry said the programmes will place strong emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies to produce graduates equipped with skills required by industries in Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia.
He added that the growing number of applications to polytechnics reflects increasing public confidence in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a pathway offering strong career prospects.
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According to the minister, nearly 98 per cent of polytechnic graduates secure employment, underscoring the sector’s role in producing industry-ready, highly skilled workers.
Earlier, Zambry officiated the presentation of land acquisition compensation cheques to affected landowners, marking the official implementation phase of the Kota Belud Polytechnic project.
He also expressed appreciation to the Sabah state government and all stakeholders for their support in making the project a reality, particularly for the benefit of communities on Sabah’s west coast.
Also present were Higher Education Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Ts. Dr. Aminuddin Hassim, Deputy Secretary-General (Management and Development) Datuk Ts. Dr. Mohd Nor Azman Hassan, Polytechnic and Community College Education Department Director-General Dr. Shamsuri Abdullah, Sabah Federal Director of the Department of the Director General of Lands and Mines Fazlina Abdul Rani, and Suria Capital Holdings Berhad Chairman Datuk Seri Panglima Abdul Rahman Dahlan.
According to a post on the official Facebook page of Kementerian Pendidikan Tinggi, the project reflects the ministry’s commitment to expanding access to high-quality TVET education while supporting regional economic development and workforce needs. – The Capital Post.
