BUKIT GANTANG, July 20 — Retired army and police personnel will be appointed as hostel wardens at two Maktab Rendah Sains Mara (MRSM) next month under a pilot initiative to curb bullying, said Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) chairman Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki.
He said this initiative will be launched at MRSM Besut in Terengganu and MRSM Balik Pulau in Penang, with the appointment of not more than 10 male and female wardens.
“We have conducted a series of interviews, and we’ve shortlisted candidates. God willing, they will begin their duties this August.
"The standard operating procedures (SOPs) have also been provided, and we will continue with the necessary training,” he told reporters after opening the Bukit Gantang Umno divisional meeting here today.
Previously, Asyraf Wajdi had said that Mara planned to appoint hostel wardens from among former police and military personnel in schools under its supervision to address the issue of bullying.
He said Mara would monitor the six-month trial period to evaluate the pros and cons of the initiative.
“We are listening to all views, and if it proves successful, we will implement it at all MRSMs nationwide,” he said.
Asyraf Wajdi also clarified that the appointment of wardens from among retired military and police personnel did not mean they would use harsh disciplinary methods.
Instead, he said the initiative recognises their capability to monitor students full-time in hostels, unlike previous wardens who were teachers and whose core teaching duties could be disrupted.
“That’s why we are starting this initiative with clear SOPs and strong foundational guidelines, so our children receive proper supervision and attention for their development in a safe hostel environment.
“We want to reassure parents that we do not compromise when it comes to bullying — be it physical or mental,” he said.
— Bernama
