Kota belud: The RM250 million Politeknik Kota Belud is expected to be completed by 2030 and will offer high-technology programmes to meet future workforce needs. Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir announced that the project has entered the implementation phase following the completion of the land acquisition process, marked by the mock cheque presentation of compensation to affected landowners today.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the compensation payments mark the official start of the polytechnic's construction, before the project moves into the design and detailed planning phase. Datuk Seri Zambry expressed hope that from the Third Rolling Plan (RP3) under the 13th Malaysia Plan next year, all aspects of the polytechnic's development can be implemented, with the project expected to be completed by 2030.

The project originated from a planning process initiated in 2017, following a proposal by then Kota Belud MP Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Dahlan. Zambry highlighted that the polytechnic would focus on programmes aligned with current and future industry needs in Sabah, such as green energy, artificial intelligence, computer science, and smart technology-based agriculture.

He further stated that the polytechnic is expected to enrol around 500 students in its first intake, with capacity later expanded to between 1,000 and 1,500 students.