Gua Musang: Kolej Poly-Tech MARA (KPTM) in Gua Musang, which has been closed since 2019, is set to reopen with a revamped curriculum offering more industry-relevant and competitive courses. This initiative is designed to meet the evolving demands of the job market, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the decision to reopen KPTM was made after carefully considering the growing demand for accessible higher education in rural areas, particularly in Gua Musang and across Kelantan. Ahmad Zahid emphasized that the reopening aims to enhance the employability of graduates by focusing on providing opportunities for students to pursue programs aligned with current job market demands.

Ahmad Zahid highlighted that the courses to be offered include robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT), automotive technology, and other high-demand programs tailored to meet industry needs. He made these remarks after attending the handover ceremony for the Perumahan Rakyat Sejahtera initiative and the KESEDAR Aidilfitri celebration at Dataran Awam Kampung Jerek.

Additionally, Ahmad Zahid stated that collaboration with industry players, both within and outside Kelantan, will be pursued to ensure students receive job offers immediately after graduation. This approach mirrors the strategies implemented in other TVET institutions.

He also explained that KPTM Gua Musang was closed in 2019 due to a lack of students, which stemmed from funding challenges and the limited relevance of the courses offered at that time. Initial rehabilitation work for KPTM Gua Musang is set to commence in May, following discussions with Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki.

Ahmad Zahid added that the rehabilitation will incorporate feedback from the South Kelantan Development Authority (Kesedar) management to ensure the redevelopment is well-organized and meets the needs of the local community.