PUTRAJAYA: Public universities are calling for increased funding in the upcoming budget, set to be presented by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Parliament on Oct 18, to address the urgent need for building maintenance and facility upgrades.

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Ekhwan Toriman, highlighted the critical condition of several buildings under the university's care, many of which are in dire need of repairs.

"While we have initiated internal efforts and secured grants, government funding remains crucial for the repair of damaged and ageing buildings, dormitories and leaking roofs," he told Bernama.

UKM has already submitted development proposals for next year to the Higher Education Ministry (MOHE) which will be forwarded to the Ministry of Finance.

"We hope the government will prioritise universities like UKM, which have stood for more than 50 years and provide the necessary funding to improve our facilities," he added.

Echoing similar aspirations, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) vice-chancellor, Datuk Prof Dr Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah, added  that top-notch facilities are essential for enhancing students' learning experiences and overall well-being.

"What we need most is a budget that can truly reset higher education. Our goal is to maximise the full potential of higher education, and this requires significant investments in facilities, whether in terms of utilisation or accessibility," he said.

Meanwhile, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) vice-chancellor, Prof Datuk Dr Sharifudin Md Shaarani, also expressed hopes that the government would allocate research funding for key areas such as Islamic finance, the halal economy and persons with disabilities, incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) technology to ensure these initiatives have a meaningful impact on the global Muslim community.

He also called for funding to support student programmes and activities, particularly as USIM will be celebrating its 25th anniversary next year.

On Sept 30, MOHE Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir, announced that infrastructure development at higher learning institutions and university internationalisation initiatives would be key priorities of the 2025 Budget.

Zambry further highlighted that the budget would focus on the development of artificial intelligence (AI) at universities and polytechnics, in line with the rapid technological advancements.

In the 2024 Budget, the government allocated RM16.34 billion to the ministry with RM12.21 billion dedicated to operating expenses and RM4.13 billion for development, in line with the ministry's Ekonomi MADANI agenda.

The 6.8 per cent increase in MOHE's overall budget compared to 2023 reinforces its vital role as a driving force behind the Ekonomi MADANI Framework, aimed at empowering the nation through higher education.

As part of the allocation, RM300 million was earmarked for maintaining and repairing infrastructure at higher education institutions, as well as replacing outdated equipment to ensure they remain functional and up to date.