THE Education Ministry should consider placing former military personnel as full-time wardens in schools nationwide as part of efforts to address growing concerns over student bullying, according to MARA chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki.
He said the initiative could help strengthen discipline among students while also providing employment opportunities for former members of the armed forces.
Asyraf said MARA was prepared to share findings from a Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) study on the effectiveness of a nine-month pilot project involving the appointment of full-time external wardens from among former military personnel at Mara Junior Science Colleges (MRSM).
"MARA is ready to share with the Education Ministry the UPM study report on the Effectiveness of the Pilot Project for the Appointment of Full-Time External Wardens among former military personnel at MRSM, which has already been conducted for nine months.
"Among the key findings throughout the implementation period, zero bullying cases were recorded while student discipline levels improved. Monitoring became more consistent, and responses to student welfare and safety issues were faster.
"In addition, the hostel environment became safer, more orderly and conducive. It also had a positive impact on teachers, who were no longer burdened with warden responsibilities and could instead focus on their core duties of teaching and educating students," he said in a Facebook post.
Asyraf said students’ academic performance had also improved, while feedback from students was highly positive based on surveys and field visits.
"The combination of firmness and a 'parenting' approach has made them not merely wardens, but mentors and educators for children in the hostels," he said.
Based on the study findings, Asyraf said MARA had decided to expand the initiative to another 10 MRSMs from last month as an initial strengthening measure, before extending it to all 58 MRSM campuses nationwide from January next year.
"This approach is believed to be capable of strengthening hostel management systems in a more organised, professional and effective manner," he said.
He added that he had instructed the UPM team led by Professor Dr Haslinda to assist in developing a specialised training module for future wardens.
The module, he said, would focus not only on discipline and safety but also on developing values such as empathy, humanity and parental care, allowing wardens to embrace their role in nurturing MRSM students in line with MARA’s educational philosophy.
Asyraf noted that many former military personnel retire between the ages of 38 and 45, leaving them with valuable experience and the ability to contribute to the education sector, particularly in improving student discipline.
"Besides that, it is an alternative solution to address welfare issues among Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) veterans, especially non-pensionable veterans, which has often been raised.
"They complete their service while still productive, but not all receive monthly pensions, depending on their recognised length of service," he said.
He added that the involvement of former military personnel in schools could provide additional support in creating safer and more disciplined learning environments for students. - July 27, 2026
