RM90 mln MARA college project in Kapit begins after long wait
KAPIT (June 14): A long-awaited higher education project in Kapit is finally underway as the government recently handed over the letter of award for the Kolej Profesional MARA (KPM) to its appointed contractor, in the presence of Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi.
The Kapit MP was joined by Public Works Malaysia (PWD) Director-General Datuk Wira Ir Roslan Ismail, where the latter presented the award letter to Wangi Marine Services Sdn Bhd director Hajini Pon.
'We have waited a long time for this. This is what we truly needed – a high-impact project to benefit students from rural areas,' Nanta told a press conference today.
The KPM Kapit facility, approved in 2019, will offer diploma-level education with courses such as business studies, e-commerce, plantation management, information technology, and other soft-skill disciplines, he said.
The college is expected to accommodate up to 300 students per intake.
While a minimum fee is required for first-time enrollees, he said tuition will be free and each student will receive a monthly allowance of RM300.
'Parents need not apply for education loans – all costs will be fully borne by the government,' he assured.
Elaborating further, the minister said the project is estimated to cost approximately RM90 million, with the contractor securing the open tender for RM79.7 million.
The remaining allocation will be used for additional infrastructure and related purposes.
The scope of works includes earthworks, construction of 19 administrative and academic blocks, a cafeteria, student hostels, and a football field.
Nanta expressed his gratitude to Deputy Prime Minister Dato Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) for their roles in ensuring the project's implementation in Kapit.
'KPM will not only serve the people of Kapit but will be open to all Sarawakians,' he said.
Nanta also urged the contractor to carry out the project with strict adherence to quality standards and a commitment to timely completion, despite the area's challenging terrain, particularly near Jalan Kapit–Song.
Also present were MARA deputy director-general Rohayah Mohd Zain; PWD Malaysia deputy director-general Siti Baizura Mohd Nora; deputy minister in the Premier's Department (Native Customs and Laws) Datuk Jefferson Jamit Unyat; Katibas assemblyman Lidam Assan, and Pelagus assemblyman Wilson Nyabong Ijang. alexander nanta linggi Kapit Kolej Profesional MARA
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