SIBU – A committee has been established to oversee the development of guidelines for off-campus student housing at the four state-owned universities in Sarawak, said the state’s Education, Innovation, and Talent Development Deputy Minister, Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee.
He stressed that the move is aimed at safeguarding the safety and well-being of students residing outside campus grounds.
“As you know, starting next year, the Sarawak government will offer free higher education to all Sarawakians, along with stipends for those who qualify. A portion of these stipends will help students with the cost of renting off-campus housing.
“A committee was formed two weeks ago to oversee the four state-owned universities in coming up with guidelines, which among other things, will specify where students are allowed to rent accommodation, particularly in terms of proximity to the campus.
“We will also come up with a guideline requiring landlords to register with the university student accommodation unit of these four universities. Additionally, personnel from the universities alongside health officers and local authorities will inspect the premises to determine its suitability to be rented out to students.
Dr Annuar pointed out that the place must be conducive, safe, and clean before approval can be given by the respective university student accommodation unit.
“In other words, students are permitted to live off-campus, but they cannot rent accommodations freely as they wish. The property owner can rent to students, but they cannot do so directly. They must coordinate with the university and obtain approval to determine if the property can be rented to students,” the Nangka assemblyman emphasized.
Towards this end, Dr Annuar extended his condolences to the family of the late Maniishapriet Kaur Akhara, who was found dead in her dormitory room at the Mutiara Ville condominium in Cyberjaya on Tuesday morning (June 24).
In response to the incident, he called on all higher education institutions in Sarawak to establish a clear process for managing off-campus student housing.
Additionally, students should be required to register these accommodations with the institutions so that their living arrangements are known, he added.
“Are they residing in an area that lacks safety? Or perhaps they are in a location that is quite distant?
“Or are they in a place that is unsuitable, like commercial shop lots? Additionally, are they living in a dorm that is overcrowded?”
Dr Annuar stressed that all these factors need consideration because there are local council rules prohibiting the rental of certain shop lots for residential purposes.
“These should not be used as living spaces. There are also guidelines stating that if rented for residential use, the space should not be overcrowded.
“Institutions should be aware of these regulations and must register, keeping a record of where students reside off-campus. This is to prevent any untoward incidents. Students might choose overcrowded places due to lower rent costs.” – June 27, 2025