KUALA LUMPUR: Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) chairman, Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, advised students who receive offers from Mara Junior Science Colleges (MRSM) not to decline them solely due to financial hardship.
He said Mara and MRSM have specific initiatives to help students from underprivileged families continue their education, including via the Budi Mara scheme.
"Please do not reject an MRSM offer solely due to poverty. I have already instructed Mara and MRSM management to assist those in need. Budi Mara assistance is also available," he said in a Facebook post on Saturday (Dec 27).
Asyraf Wajdi shared the case of a low-income family in Pasir Mas, Kelantan, who were worried about covering the initial schooling costs for their child.
The student's father can no longer work following an accident, while the mother is a homemaker with four children to support.
He explained that the student had just received an offer to study at MRSM Jeli, but the family was considering declining it due to concerns about the initial and ongoing expenses.
Asyraf Wajdi, who is also Umno Secretary-General, said that upon learning of the situation, he immediately contacted the Pasir Mas Umno Division chief, Datuk Noor Hariri Mohamed Noor, to cover the initial expenses.
He also pledged to cover the remaining costs in cooperation with Mara personally.
The Budi Mara programme is an initiative designed to aid eligible students, particularly those from the B40 income group, who are furthering their studies at MRSMs.
It provides various facilities that align with the MRSM admissions policy, which stipulates that at least 60% of students must be from the B40 demographic. – Bernama
