This is for the 2018-2019 academic session which begins in June.

Education Minister Maszlee Malik said the number included 17,338 candidates from lower-income families (B40), 299 disabled candidates, 348 Orang Asli and 1,225 athletes.

“This is an increase of 22% from last year, where the government only offered about 149,000 places,” he said during a ceremony to hand over formal offer letters of admission to candidates here today.

Maszlee said he was aware of disgruntlement among students who received excellent results but did not get a place at an IPTA, adding that the government was trying its best to ensure that all eligible students could further their studies.

“I want to clarify that the government is holding on to its principle of trying to assist all academically-qualified students, who need help considering their socio-economic level,” he said.

Maszlee advised dissatisfied parties to appeal to the Higher Education Department and assured that all appeals would be given fair and equitable attention.

“We will never discriminate against anyone but we need parents to file an appeal so that we know about the cases that exist, and try to help them,” he said.