KUALA LUMPUR: There is a cartel involving contractors within the Maktab Rendah Sains Mara (MRSM), says Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki.
The Mara chairman stated that there are strict processes and procurement procedures.
According to Sinar Harian, he said this is evident when some contractors provide false details when making applications.
He added that some of them use addresses near the involved MRSM, but upon checking, it turns out they are located far outside the area.
"When I became the Mara chairman, I heard rumours out there indicating that there is a contractor cartel in MRSM.
"When I went on the ground, I indeed saw the cartel.
"During applications, priority is given to local companies located near the MRSM so that if any issues arise, they can handle them easily.
"When we check, it turns out they are far away, so this is a matter of fraud and so on. People will find ways to achieve what they desire," he said.
He stated this during a press conference regarding the results of the MRSM admission aptitude test (UKKM) here on Monday (Jan 13).
Previously, 8,909 applicants were offered admission to MRSM for the 2025 session.
Out of that number, 7,229 places are provided for student admission to Form 1, while 1,680 places are provided for entry into Form 4.
"I must uphold the trust as the Mara chairman who approves the allocation of public funds and ensures that it is utilised properly without a single cent being wasted.
"It cannot be said that 100 per cent of the cartel issues have been addressed, but I try my best even though it is difficult to eradicate them completely.
"This means that when we are firm, we must make changes by improving the standard operating procedures (SOPs) and oversight at the management level.
"Based on these steps, we have seen positive developments, and it will be continued," he said.
