KOTA SAMARAHAN: Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) will not increase its fees next year despite the reduction in allocations to higher learning institutions in Budget 2016.
This was assured by its vice-chancellor Prof Dato’ Dr Mohamad Kadim Suaidi who pointed out that the public university will only experience a minor reduction in allocation at only 1.5 per cent.
“I guarantee there will be no increase in fees at Unimas next year,” he told reporters when met after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kuramae Services Sdn Bhd at the university here yesterday.
Kadim also noted that the reduction in funds will not leave a very big impact on Unimas as compared to other public universities, some of which may experience a reduction of up to 25 per cent.
“Nevertheless, despite the reduction, we will continue to implement our plans and activities for 2016 without neglecting our quality and standards,” he said, adding that the university will also look into implementing new approaches such as collaboration with industries to generate income.
Higher Learning Minister Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh had said that the decrease of RM2.4 billion in allocation for his ministry will not affect the efficient promotion of education.
According to him, the allocation was reduced because the government’s income had been adversely affected by the fall in oil and commodity prices.
The Budget 2016 tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak at the Dewan Rakyat on Friday allocated RM13.378 billion to the Ministry of Higher Learning, which is five per cent of the total budget. Allocation for Budget 2015 was RM15.785 billion.