MARA deploys military veterans to patrol MRSM hostels in bullying crackdown

KUALA LUMPUR, June 30 — A total of 16 Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) veterans will report for duty as full-time wardens at eight selected MARA Junior Science Colleges (MRSMs) starting Wednesday (July 1).

MARA Chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said the appointments are expected to help strengthen student discipline and ensure that bullying incidents no longer occur at the institutions.

He said the initiative marks the second phase of the full-time warden recruitment programme involving former military personnel, following a pilot project launched at MRSM Besut and MRSM Balik Pulau on Oct 18 last year.

“For the current phase, there will be a total of 32 wardens across the eight MRSMs, comprising two male and two female wardens at each college. In the first phase, 16 male wardens will begin their duties on July 1, 2026.

“As for female candidates, 162 applications have been received. An online assessment was conducted on June 25, 2026, while physical interviews are scheduled for July 2. The appointment of female wardens is expected to follow shortly after the male phase, subject to the completion of the same screening process,” he said.

He said the selection process is being carried out jointly by Glokal Link Sdn Bhd (GLSB), a MARA subsidiary, in collaboration with the MARA Secondary Education Division, the Veterans Affairs Department (JHEV), TalentCorp, and the Malaysian Armed Forces Psychology and Counselling Section.

Physical interviews were held on June 15 and 16 at the MARA Higher Skills Institute (IKM), Kepong, involving 147 candidates, including 139 male applicants who had passed the initial and second-stage screening.

“Before attending the interviews, candidates underwent preliminary screening by JHEV and TalentCorp. This pathway is reserved for recognised ATM veterans — those who completed their military service honourably and were not discharged for misconduct, serious disciplinary offences, or legal violations that would affect their eligibility as veterans,” he said.

Asyraf Wajdi said GLSB will ensure all pre-appointment screening is completed before any offer or appointment letters are issued. This includes verification of veteran status, criminal record checks by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), and screening against the child sexual offenders registry.

He explained that candidate selection is not based solely on face-to-face interviews but also includes multiple assessments, such as the MyNext OCEAN and RIASEC psychometric tests, military psychological evaluations, mental health screening, BMI assessments, the bleep fitness test, and panel interviews involving multiple agencies.

“Before offer letters are finalised, shortlisted candidates will also undergo a final assessment with Malaysian Armed Forces psychologists and counsellors, including psychological and biofeedback evaluations focusing on child protection, sexual misconduct risks, impulse control, appropriate warden-student boundaries, and the candidate’s psychological suitability for placement in MRSM hostels.

“GLSB’s principle is clear — no offer or appointment letter will be issued until all critical screening processes have been completed. Only candidates who are genuinely qualified, have clean records, demonstrate integrity, and are suitable to care for MRSM students will be considered for appointment,” he said.

Asyraf Wajdi said the programme will be expanded in stages to all 58 MRSMs, with the third phase scheduled to begin on Jan 1, 2027.

“Overall, MARA will ensure that this initiative is implemented carefully, with integrity, in compliance with the law, and with the safety and well-being of MRSM students as the top priority.

“This approach is intended to ensure that the appointment of wardens truly meets the expectations of the public, parents, and stakeholders regarding the role of MRSM wardens,” he said. — Bernama