New Mara science college in Bintulu soon, says Ismail Sabri

Petronas, together with the Rural and Regional Development Ministry, will build a new Mara Junior Science College (MRSM) in Bintulu. Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said Petronas would fund the construction of the campus and it was expected to begin at year-end.   "We have identified the site. It will take about three years and once it is ready, we can house some 750 students. When completed, the campus will be equipped with all the necessary learning facilities operated and maintained by Mara," he said in Kuching today.   Sarawak now has three MRSM in Kuching, Betong and Mukah.   "The development of this MRSM in Bintulu will provide rural students with access to quality education and thereafter, increase the pool of skilled workers who are more competent, competitive and marketable," Ismail said.   Last year July, Petronas announced a RM90 million corporate social responsibility (CSR) initial contribution for Sarawak.   The contribution will be used to kick-start the five year (2015-2019) CSR initiatives to be implemented in the state to enhance education, community development and wellbeing, and environmental conservation. Ismail also announced a RM20 million allocation from Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) for entrepreneurs' development in Sarawak. The fund includes training programmes for semi-skilled graduates in the oil and gas, automotive, maritime, welding, electrical and energy industries. – February 21, 2016.]]>