Budget 2027: Higher Education Ministry gets RM19.1bil, RM800mil for university facilities upgrades

The Higher Education Ministry will receive a substantial RM19.1 billion in Budget 2027, as informed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during a recent parliamentary address. This funding allocation comprises RM800 million earmarked for the enhancement of university facilities and the replacement of aging equipment.

Anwar underscored that these funds will be utilized to bolster the infrastructure of educational institutions, encompassing improvements to lecture halls and student accommodations. Furthermore, the Ministry intends to address the challenge of outdated equipment through this financial commitment.

The increase in the budget for 2027, compared to the previous year's 18.6 billion ringgit, is attributed to the broader expansion of the Ministry's responsibilities. With the upcoming fiscal year, Form Six and matriculation students will also fall under the purview of the Higher Education system, effectively encompassing pre-university education within the broader educational framework.

In addition to the financial boost for the Ministry, Anwar also called upon the public, alumni, and the corporate sector to extend their support to public universities. He mentioned that donations to these institutions are eligible for income tax deductions, offering up to 10 percent of the donor's total income as a tax break.