KUALA LUMPUR – Mara Junior Science College (MRSM) schools are of equal standing and none of them are “elite”, Rural and Regional Development Deputy Minister Datuk Rubiah Wang (Kota Samarahan-GPS) told the Dewan Rakyat.
While there are five different MRSM programmes with differing entry qualifications, this is to ensure that each one is focused on its specific field of study.
“For your information, we don’t have elite MRSMs. However, Mara’s administration introduced programmes with a categorization method that follows our own approach.
“The main purpose of this approach is to ensure that the MRSM education system remains optimal and focused in specific fields,” she said during question time today.
The five MRSM programmes are Bitara, Ulul Albab, Technical, Premier, and the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE).
Students in each only compete with their peers there, Rubiah added.
The deputy minister was replying Salamiah Mohd Nor (Temerloh – PN), who asked her to specify the number of elite MRSM schools in the country and to list them.
Rubiah said that upon entry to MRSM institutions, all students regardless of financial background will be treated equally from an academic perspective.
While some payments would be required from MRSM students, Rubiah pointed out that there are full scholarships available to certain B40 students who qualify.
“When it comes to entry into MRSM, we place an emphasis on academics. There are some considerations given to their background, but that’s not our priority.
“Under Mara, B40 MRSM students who can’t afford fees will get RM2,500 which includes pocket money of RM50 a month,” Rubiah added. – November 13, 2024