KOTA KINABALU – The federal government has approved RM50 million for upgrades and repairs to Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) educational institutes this year.
Announcing this, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said RM25 million has been allocated to Mara junior science colleges (MRSM), RM17 million to Mara high skills institutes, and RM8 million to Mara professional colleges.
“The (federal) government has approved the allocation of RM50 million under the 12th Malaysia Plan’s Third Rolling Plan for the purpose of upgrading and refurbishing Mara education institutes.
“The allocation covers repairs, maintenance, and equipment,” said Zahid, as he said that Mara junior colleges have now become a favourite for many Malaysian parents sending their children to school.
He said Mara has received almost 90,000 applications to fill up 9,200 vacancies in MRSM for Forms One to Four.
Zahid said this during his one-day working visit to MRSM Kota Kinabalu here today.
He is also expected to attend the Sabah Umno Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house in the city later.
Also present was Mara chairman Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki.
Zahid, who is also the federal rural and regional development minister, said Sabah will be getting RM2.347 million from the total allocation, with RM220,000 going to MRSM Kota Kinabalu for pipe repairs, a fire prevention system, and furniture.
At the function, Zahid also renamed MRSM Kota Kinabalu, which is located in Papar, to MRSM Tan Sri Musa Aman Kota Kinabalu.
He credited Musa, a former Sabah chief minister, for the establishment of the junior science college 21 years ago during his tenure.
Zahid said he would also be naming the MRSM branches in Ranau and Semporna soon.
Sabah Mara currently has 701 staff members in 51 centres.
Mara has four junior science colleges, namely in Kota Kinabalu, Tun Fuad Stephens in Sandakan, Tun Datu Mustapha in Tawau, and Semporna. – The Vibes, May 4, 2023
