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UM launches major hostel expansion to house 40,000 students

Universiti Malaya is rolling out an ambitious accommodation project aimed at housing over 40,000 students, with a focus on supporting lower-income families. The initiative addresses growing housing demands on campus.

LSN Malaysia · 2 October 2026

KUALA LUMPUR — Universiti Malaya (UM) is undertaking a significant residential infrastructure project to accommodate more than 40,000 students, university leadership announced on Wednesday. The hostel expansion forms part of the institution's broader commitment to improving campus facilities and accessibility for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. UM Vice-Chancellor Zambry Abd Rahim outlined the project as a strategic response to housing shortages that have long constrained student populations at the flagship university. The initiative is designed with particular attention to the needs of B40 household families, reflecting efforts to reduce financial barriers to tertiary education. Officials indicated that the project would be rolled out in phases, though specific timelines and financial allocations were not immediately detailed. The expansion represents one of Malaysia's largest university housing undertakings and underscores UM's commitment to enhancing student welfare and institutional capacity.