Kuala lumpur: The Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) has established a minimum score requirement of 60 percent in the MRSM Admission Aptitude Test (UKKM) for students seeking entry into MARA Junior Science College (MRSM). This measure aims to ensure that students can manage the academic demands associated with the institution.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, MARA director-general Datuk Zulfikri Osman stated that all candidates must take the UKKM, with initial offers extended to those achieving at least the 60 percent threshold. For the Form One intake, MARA has offered approximately 7,300 spots out of 118,000 applications, while 2,700 places have been made available for the Form Four intake out of 96,000 applications.

'All first-round offers were taken up, but some places became available as several candidates did not register on the main registration day,' Zulfikri mentioned during the MARA Prihatin Desa Madani Programme in Kampung Hubong. He noted that around 400 to 450 spots remain open, with 45,000 appeal applications received. Selections for these vacancies will be based on the highest scores.

The selection process not only considers academic performance but also the socio-economic background of applicants, with 60 percent of spots reserved for the B40 group, 30 percent for the M40 group, and 10 percent for the T20 group. Zulfikri highlighted the importance of maintaining the minimum requirement to prevent students from struggling academically, which could lead to demotivation and disinterest in learning.

In response to inquiries about expanding MRSM capacity, Zulfikri indicated that it would depend on MARA's ability to enhance facilities, including classrooms, teaching staff, and hostels. He mentioned that MARA currently operates 58 MRSMs nationwide and potential expansion would require additional funding.

MARA chairman Datuk Dr. Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki previously noted on Facebook the high volume of appeal applications for MRSM intakes, with over 45,000 appeals for Form One despite only 250 vacancies.

In his address, Zulfikri also reported that MARA Johor received RM42.4 million last year, which included RM1.13 million for training and entrepreneurship grants. Out of this, RM35.36 million was allocated for financing facilities, and RM5.93 million was used for maintaining business premises under a wellbeing initiative, benefiting over 3,000 entrepreneurs in 2025.

'This year, MARA Johor has been allocated RM26.5 million for entrepreneurship development. The allocation is expected to benefit more entrepreneurs and help improve the socio-economic wellbeing of the Bumiputera community in the state,' Zulfikri added.