KUALA LUMPUR: The government allocated RM1.1 billion between 2021 and 2025 to replace, upgrade and rehabilitate ageing infrastructure and equipment at public higher education institutions.

Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said nearly RM225 million was also allocated during the period to upgrade and repair existing student hostels.

He said 15 new residential colleges under a public-private partnership initiative had been completed, providing accommodation for 45,000 students.

"The government plans to build five more residential colleges at public higher education institutions using a similar approach, with a combined capacity of 21,000 students," he said in reply to Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail (PH-Bandar Tun Razak).