Kuala lumpur: Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) has ceased utilizing cooperatives for student admissions and fee collection in light of findings from the Auditor-General's Report 1/2026, which highlighted irregularities in the management of student fees.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Higher Education Minister Adam Adli Abd Halim announced that UKM has begun handling admissions and fee collection directly for the Postgraduate Diploma in Education (DPLI) from cohort seven, first semester 2025/2026, and for the Master of Education (SPEND) from cohort 10, second semester 2025. This decision is part of a corrective strategy to enhance transparency and accountability in financial management after the audit revealed issues in fee collection.

Adjustments have been made, with RM2.27 million recognized for SPEND and RM30.09 million for DPLI in 2024, as well as RM27.67 million for previous 2025 cohorts. All fees for DPLI cohort seven have now been fully accounted for. A letter of demand has been issued to the cooperative, with RM1.83 million recovered so far, and legal efforts are underway to recover the remaining balance.

The UKM Integrity and Ombudsman Centre is investigating the invalid cooperation agreements, and the university is fully cooperating with the Royal Malaysia Police to ensure a transparent and thorough investigation.

Regarding the RM110.67 million research grant balance across five research universities, Adam Adli clarified that it resulted from savings and project surpluses accumulated over nearly two decades, rather than from any financial leakages. The balance pertains to 7,129 development and research projects from 2006 to June 2025, averaging RM15,524 per project, with surpluses arising from efficient project completion, cost savings through technology, and adherence to financial regulations.