Budget 2025: UPM Bintulu director emphasises food security, mental health and STEM education

BINTULU (Oct 16): Universiti Putra Malaysia Bintulu campus (UPMKB) director Prof Dr Shahrul Razid Sarbini has proposed several key recommendations for the upcoming Budget 2025.

He said these proposals aim to align with the Sarawak Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 to boost the nation’s growth and development.

From an academic perspective, Shahrul Razid emphasised the need for increased funding for research and development (R&D) to strengthen food security.

“We must ensure our food security for the future,” he said, echoing the PCDS 2030 vision. He believes that investing in R&D could pave the way for sustainable food production.

Shahrul Razid also highlighted the importance of addressing mental health, particularly in the educational sector, as he has witnessed the pressures faced by university students firsthand.

“There is a need to allocate a special budget to address mental health issues, particularly in the educational sector,” he said, adding that this budget should support long-term programmes that provide relief and support to students struggling with academic and personal pressures.

Quality research is crucial, he stressed, and achieving this requires more research centres

He envisions state-of-the-art facilities where academics and students can collaborate on groundbreaking projects, contributing to national progress.

Shahrul Razid is also a strong advocate for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education.

“Diversifying and empowering STEM programmes are crucial steps toward nurturing the next generation of leaders in technology and engineering. Our future depends on how well we prepare our youth today,” he said.

Additionally, he called for increased funding for university-community engagement.

“By promoting engagement and collaboration, I hope it will create a symbiotic relationship that benefits both academia and the community,” he said.

He hopes these proposals will make a significant difference, not just for the academic community, but also for the entire nation.

With the right support and funding, he believes that Malaysia can achieve new heights of innovation and excellence.