SEMPORNA: The government is urged to expand higher learning institutions (IPTs) to rural areas to reduce congestion in certain areas.

Semporna Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, said the government should also consider the potential of suitable areas to expand IPTs, which is seen as providing more effective learning.

He said that in Semporna, for example, an IPT could be established by leveraging the tourism industry and marine product output synonymous with this district.

“Semporna, which is one of the world’s famous tourism centres and among the producers of marine products, should have a related university in this district.