Kuala lumpur: The special allocation for Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) as announced under Budget 2026 can have a direct impact on the varsity's efforts to empower the Bumiputera education ecosystem, including by expanding access to higher education for students in rural areas. UiTM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Shahrin Sahib @ Sahibuddin said it could also strengthen high-impact research and improve student well-being through various aid incentives and campus facilities.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, UiTM welcomes the announcement on the overall allocation of RM18.60 billion to the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), which, among others, focuses on enhancing Bumiputera education through a special allocation of RM6 billion for MARA, Yayasan Peneraju and UiTM. Shahrin stated that the university is committed to ensuring that every allocation channelled is optimally utilised to strengthen the infrastructure, student welfare, as well as academic and research capabilities.

Shahrin emphasized UiTM's strategic role as a leading institution in developing competitive and high-integrity Bumiputera human capital in line with the aspirations of the MADANI Budget, aimed at building a knowledgeable, prosperous, and resilient society. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for his trust in the varsity's role in driving educational excellence among Bumiputeras.

UiTM is confident that the allocation received will strengthen its capability to implement its main mission of producing knowledgeable, ethical, and globally competitive graduates. Shahrin reiterated UiTM's appreciation for the Prime Minister's trust and strong support for Bumiputera higher education and expressed the institution's commitment to aligning with the government in making the education agenda a success for all Malaysians.

On Friday, Anwar announced that the MOHE will receive a 2.76 per cent increase in allocation-from RM18.09 billion this year to RM18.60 billion in 2026.