KUALA LUMPUR – The registration fees for public universities will be capped at RM1,500 beginning in January of next year, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
In tabling the Supply Bill 2024 in the Dewan Rakyat this afternoon, Anwar, who is also finance minister, said this is to align the fees with those of all eligible students, especially those who receive National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) grants.
At the same time, Anwar said existing students who cannot afford their tuition fees will not be barred from registering for subjects each semester, and their fee payments can be settled after registering.
“I will not allow students who get placements in public universities, especially those from poor families, to be barred or denied their rights to register just because they cannot pay their registration fees,” he said.
“Not having money to pay fees should not be an excuse to prevent students from taking their examinations.”
The government has also agreed to provide discounts on PTPTN repayments, beginning October 14, 2023, until March 31, 2024.
The Higher Education Ministry saw an increase in funds for next year’s budget, with RM16.3 billion allocated compared to RM15.3 billion for this year.
This includes RM250 million allocated to replace and expand wifi access in all public universities.
Anwar said he made this decision after receiving numerous complaints about poor internet coverage from university students during his “Temu Anwar” tour.
In addition, RM300 million will be allocated for the maintenance and repair of infrastructure in public institutions, as well as the replacement of obsolete equipment. – October 13, 2023