Latest news with #Zambry
The Sun
10 hours ago
- The Sun
Govt tightens campus safety rules after Cyberjaya murder
PETALING JAYA: The Higher Education Ministry has moved to tighten safety regulations across all public and private universities nationwide following the murder of a female student at a private university dormitory in Cyberjaya. In a written parliamentary reply yesterday, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir said the ministry is committed to ensuring that institutions of higher learning provide a safe and conducive environment for students, both on and off campus. Zambry noted that under the Private Higher Educational Institutions Act 1996 (Act 555), the chief executive of every private university is responsible for overseeing student welfare, discipline, administration, and academic affairs in an orderly and accountable manner. 'To enhance safety standards, the ministry has begun enforcing two existing guidelines — the Off-Campus Student Management Guidelines introduced in 2021, and the Private Higher Education Institutions Premises Standards and Guidelines issued in 2023. 'These frameworks serve as references for all institutions to improve the safety and comfort of student accommodation, particularly for those residing off-campus.' Following the incident, the ministry has instructed all institutions to fully implement the guidelines. It has also proposed the establishment of structured Off-Campus Student Management Units at larger institutions, or the appointment of dedicated officers to handle student housing matters in smaller campuses. In addition, institutions are encouraged to engage regularly with community stakeholders such as Rukun Tetangga, community crime watch groups, joint management bodies, and the police to strengthen monitoring and security. Zambry said the ministry recommends that off-campus student housing be managed on a block basis to avoid mixed occupancy with the general public, as this would make it easier to monitor and respond to potential threats. He added that additional safety measures are being taken, including improving lighting in high-risk areas, increasing the number of CCTV installations, hiring more security personnel, and mapping out accommodation areas with elevated safety risks. 'To ensure ongoing compliance, the ministry will intensify periodic inspections and audits, and take enforcement action against any institution that fails to meet the required standards. 'Student welfare is a shared responsibility involving the ministry, campus administrators, enforcement agencies, and local communities – and the government will not compromise on matters of student safety.'
The Star
16 hours ago
- Politics
- The Star
Public varsity placements for STPM holders rose by 90% over seven years, says Zambry
KUALA LUMPUR: The number of Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) and equivalent certificate leavers offered placements in public universities increased by 90.1% over the past seven years, the Dewan Rakyat was told. Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir said a total of 4,530 STPM and equivalent leavers were offered placements for the 2018/2019 academic session while as many as 8,612 were offered for the 2024/2025 academic session. He also said there are open or commercial pathways that operate on an 'over and above' principle and do not interfere with projections for the main intake. 'Open channels will also have to undergo an evaluation process and adhere to qualifications, alongside compliance with academic conditions, language skills and programme criteria. 'There is no compromise on standards set by accredited bodies,' he said in a written reply on Wednesday (July 30). Zambry added that the open channel model shows the growing maturity of the higher education system, noting the rapid developments in the academic world. 'This requires universities to be quick on their feet and have their own financial resources,' he said. He stressed that the ministry is committed to ensuring access to tertiary education continues to grow and benefit all Malaysians. He was replying to Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong (BN-Ayer Hitam), who asked why fewer STPM top scorers were admitted through the Unit Pusat Universiti (UPU) system compared to matriculation and foundation students since 2018. Dr Wee also asked about a lack of government funding, forcing public universities to overcome the shortcomings through open channels, resulting in higher tuition fees.
New Straits Times
16 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Higher Education Ministry strengthens student safety after Cyberjaya murder
KUALA LUMPUR: The Higher Education Ministry has implemented several follow-up actions following the tragic murder of a female student at a private university hostel in Cyberjaya. Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir said the ministry remains committed to ensuring that all institutions of higher education, including private institutions, provide a safe, conducive, and secure learning environment, especially within accommodation premises. In response to a question by Datuk Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik (PH-Balik Pulau) in the Dewan Rakyat, Zambry said the ministry has taken immediate and comprehensive steps to strengthen student safety and security. These include expanding the use of the Guidelines for Off-Campus Student Management to all private institutions and ensuring compliance with existing guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). The ministry is also proposing the establishment of Off-Campus Student Management Units (UPLK) in a structured manner or through the appointment of a dedicated portfolio, particularly for smaller institutions of higher learning. "Additionally, private institutions of higher learning are encouraged to hold regular engagement sessions with Rukun Tetangga (Neighbourhood Committees), Community Crime Watch, Joint Management Bodies (JMB) of apartments and condominiums, and the police. "The ministry is also recommending off-campus student accommodations be rented en bloc to improve security, rather than mixed-unit rental with public tenants. "This also includes safety features at off-campus student housing, such as installing additional CCTV cameras, increasing the number of security guards, improving lighting in high-risk areas (hotspots), and identifying high-risk residential zones," he said. Zambry added that the ministry takes the matter seriously and is committed to upholding student safety in line with the provisions under the Private Higher Educational Institutions Act 1996. He said the Act also places responsibility on the chief executives of private institutions of higher learning to ensure that matters related to teaching, administration, student welfare, and discipline are carried out in an orderly and safe manner, as outlined in subsection 33(a). Zambry also noted that the ministry has introduced two key safety frameworks, which are the Guidelines for Off-Campus Student Management at Institutions of Higher Education (2021) and the Guidelines and Standards for Private Higher Educational Institution Premises (2023). He said these documents serve as references for private higher educational institutions in providing secure and conducive accommodation for their students. "To strengthen ongoing compliance, the Higher Education Ministry has set targets for regular inspections and monitoring of private higher educational institutions. Various inspections, compliance audits, and verifications have been carried out by the ministry, including those arising from complaints, directives, or closures. "Student safety and well-being is a shared responsibility. It involves not just the ministry, but also enforcement agencies, institutions of higher education management, and the wider campus community. "The Higher Education Ministry does not compromise on safety, and we will continue to address any weaknesses systematically and firmly," he said.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Umno must embrace digital shift to engage youth, says Zambry
KUALA LUMPUR: Umno must take charge of the digital narrative, expand its presence on new media platforms, and actively engage younger voters to maintain its relevance, said Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir. He emphasised that politics has evolved into the digital age, where perceptions and sentiments are rapidly shaped through social media and online discourse. 'This new challenge demands that Umno adopts fresher, more flexible, and pragmatic approaches. We cannot remain confined to outdated methods,' Zambry stated in a Facebook post. The Barisan Nasional secretary-general and Higher Education Minister clarified that modernising strategies does not mean abandoning Umno's core principles but rather presenting its values in a more effective and inclusive manner. He also highlighted the importance of unity within the party, calling it the foundation of Umno's strength over its 79-year history. 'Internal divisions will only weaken the party's survival,' he cautioned. - Bernama
Barnama
22-07-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Malaysia Highlights Higher Education At Expo 2025 Osaka
PUTRAJAYA, July 22 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is promoting its higher education capabilities at Expo 2025 Osaka, with the Ministry of Higher Education (KPT) hosting Higher Education Week at the Malaysia Pavilion from July 21 to 26. In a statement, KPT said that more than 20 universities and agencies are participating to showcase the country's academic strengths, research excellence and openness to international collaboration under the theme 'Study in Malaysia'. The programme was officially launched online today by Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir. KPT said the initiative aims to attract more international students while highlighting the global impact of Malaysian institutions through high-impact research and innovation. Malaysia's presence at the Pavilion, coordinated by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), reinforces its position as a regional education hub offering internationally recognised programmes with local relevance. In his speech, Zambry said Malaysia's higher education landscape continues to evolve as a regional hub offering internationally recognised programmes enriched with local strengths. KPT also introduced the Edutourism Gateway, a digital platform that combines learning and tourism to enhance Malaysia's appeal as a study-abroad destination. It noted that Malaysia remains a top study destination for international students due to globally accredited programmes, highly ranked institutions, affordable education and living costs, safety and its unique multicultural society. Activities during the week include exhibitions, innovation showcases, sharing sessions and the signing of strategic partnerships involving public and private higher learning institutions.
