RANAU: The Mara Junior College of Science (MRSM) Ranau by Petronas is expected to be handed over to the government in September.
The project, on a 30-acre plot next to the Ranau Sports Complex, has reached 95 per cent completion.
Once the MRSM building is completed, it will become a knowledge building for students in the district.
Director General of Sabah Public Service Department, Datuk Rosmadi Sulai with Ranau District Officer, Jumain Abd Ghani, Ranau District Council Executive Officer, Jupirin Ruhimin and the Petronas Delegation visited the site, recently.
The construction of the college was launched in October 2017 by then Chief Minister, Tan Sri Musa Aman.
The building of the MRSM Ranau was made especially for Sabah and Ranau children who will soon have the opportunity to pursue their education in a more conducive learning environment.
The project aims to encourage and promote students’ interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (Stem) and eventually produce more experts and professionals in the Stem-related fields.
The development is a timely gesture which is a long-awaited reward for the students especially in Ranau, who have shown outstanding academic achievements in recent years.
This collaboration between the Sabah State Government, Petronas and Mara will ensure that the young generation is equipped with the right knowledge and skills to face the challenges of the future.
The construction for the hostel, which expected to accommodate 120 students, was also constructed and was earlier expected to be completed in 2019.
Earlier, Petronas also stated that the setting up of MRSM Ranau is also in support of the Malaysian Education Blueprint, which among others underlines the importance of Public-Private Partnership as one of the ways to improve the country’s quality of education.
“Education is the single most important tool for improving equality of life. Through the construction of the MRSM, Petronas remains steadfast in supporting and working closely with the government of Sabah to help contribute towards providing better access to education and capability building.
“We truly believe that empowering individuals through quality education, the right knowledge, skills and resources is key in the development of human capital that will benefit not only Sabah but also Malaysia,” it said.
The MRSM is expected to accommodate 450 students, with facilities that include academic blocks, science laboratories, hostels, multipurpose hall, sports facilities, living quarters for teachers and a surau.
Meanwhile, children who are in Year 6 and Form 3 need to work hard to qualify for the Admission Propensity Test (UKKM) which is the main condition for admission to Mara Science Junior College (MRSM) Form 1 and Form 4.
Chairman of the Ranau Graduates Association, Datuk Hj Faimin Kamin, said the existence of the MRSM institution school in Ranau which is expected to be operational in the near future should be seen as an opportunity that should be grabbed.
However, he said it would not be an easy admission for every applicant.
He said careful preparation is needed by all parties, especially the parents, in creating an environment where their children would have higher chances in passing the entry requirements for the MRSM.
“Towards that end, we must remember that at home, parents have an important role to create an atmosphere of care and self-discipline based on warmth, love and encouragement,” he said.
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