Bullying In Mrsm Less Than 0 01pct Cases Isolated Deputy Minister

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PARLIAMENT | Deputy Rural and Regional Development Minister Rubiah Wang has asserted that bullying cases in Mara Science Junior College (MRSM) schools are “isolated,” with such incidents totalling “less than 0.01 percent”.
Without detailing a time frame to back up her assertion, the Kota Samarahan MP affirmed that bullying cases in MRSM institutes are uncommon, referencing separate incidents in two such schools in Penang and Terengganu.
“For MRSMs, (bullying) cases are isolated - it happened last year, but went viral this year, specifically in MRSM Balik Pulau, and previously in MRSM Besut,” the deputy minister told the Dewan Rakyat today during Question Time.
“Bullying cases in MRSMs are isolated, less than 0.01 percent, and only reported in those two MRSM (schools).”
The deputy minister was responding to queries regarding the ministry’s initiative to appoint former military and police personnel as MRSM wardens as part of a pilot project that has been implemented at MRSM Balik Pulau and MRSM Besut since August.
In defending the pilot project, Rubiah said that both the involved schools have reported positive developments thanks to the initiative, which she said has aided in reducing teachers’ workload and improving overall operational efficiency within the schools.
“So far, during (the pilot project’s) implementation, there have been no (bullying) cases reported in MRSM. The situation has improved, and the operation of safety aspects and hostel duties has become better and more effective.
“The pilot project is an innovation that shows promise, and we are seeing many positive impacts,” she added.
When questioned on the financial costs of the pilot project, the deputy minister stressed that while the programme does indeed involve “additional spending,” the ministry prioritises cost-effectiveness and productive outcomes.
While Rubiah did not detail the specifics of the additional costs, she noted that the ministry will appoint a third-party consultant in February, at the end of the project’s pilot phase, to assess the effectiveness of the warden programme.
“If the evaluation shows positive, comprehensive impact, we will harmonise and implement it across all 57 MRSMs,” she added.
New wardens ‘firm, not harsh’
She also highlighted that the police and military veterans selected for the programme are “disciplined and firm - not harsh,” to ensure the shaping of “more positive discipline” among students.
In April, Mara had announced its intention to deploy retired armed forces personnel as wardens in MRSMs after a video of bullying at an MRSM was circulated on social media, generating nationwide outrage and concern.
Police investigations later determined that the incident had occurred in mid-2023.
Police also remanded several MRSM Besut students to investigate an alleged bullying incident in June this year, with the victim said to have suffered pain in his abdomen as well as his rib and bruises on his back.
Six students involved in the incident were suspended and expelled from MRSM. - Mkini

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