Higher education minister Zambry Abd Kadir said the move was to ensure that the institutions could meet current and future industry demands, particularly in high-technology sectors.

The ministry is reviewing the relevant legislation and is expected to table restructuring proposals for all 36 institutions by the end of this year or early next year, he said.

“We will review the overall ecosystem of the polytechnics, including the courses offered, to ensure that they meet present and future demands and industry needs.

“For example, areas such as artificial intelligence, electrical and electronics, and semiconductors, where Malaysia is among the world’s major semiconductor producers,” he told reporters after the groundbreaking ceremony for the Pontian Community College at the Penghulu Mukim Benut complex here today.

Zambry said the role of polytechnics needed to be re-evaluated as they could no longer function solely at the low- or mid-skilled training level.

“We need higher-level polytechnics capable of producing skilled talent in the sectors I mentioned. If we look at the world’s leading polytechnic models, they are also moving towards these broader ideas,” he said.