KUANTAN: The Universiti Tenaga Nasional (Uniten) campus in Muadzam Shah, Rompin, will not cease operations despite earlier talk that the higher learning institution was set to close its doors.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail today gave his assurances that the Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Campus (KSHAS), which was opened in 2001, would continue operating as usual.
"Today, I chaired a meeting with representatives from Uniten and Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) and the discussion between the three parties concurred that KHSAS will be maintained in Muadzam Shah.
"Uniten has agreed to retain the 13 courses offered at KHSAS and will not offer similar programmes at Uniten's Bangi campus. Uniten's management will strive to increase the student enrollment for the upcoming February intake," he said in a statement.
Wan Rosdy, who met Uniten and TNB representatives at Wisma Sri Pahang, said he was grateful the matter has been resolved amicably between all parties.
"I hope there will be no more talks about the campus closing down and all parties will work together to ensure the campus in Muadzam Shah will continue to develop, and become a favourite among students to further their studies," he said.
He said the Pahang government was prepared to assist Uniten to ensure KSHAS remains operating in Muadzam Shah and serve as a catalyst for rapid development in the area.
Last week, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Kadir said he had not issued any directive for the proposed closure of Uniten's Muadzam Shah campus and was not aware of any information or decision regarding the matter.
On Jan 10, Wan Rosdy was reported as saying the Pahang government was against the proposal to close KSHAS as it will have adverse effects on the community, particularly impacting youths education, local business opportunities, and economic growth.
In 2019, the Uniten vice-chancellor's office announced the setting-up of a centralised campus operation through the merger of its two branches – the Rompin and Putrajaya campuses as one entity.
However, the plans did not materialise after receiving strong opposition from various organisations including political bodies and non-governmental organsations.