Bukit gantang: 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 Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki. He announced that this initiative would 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.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Asyraf Wajdi stated that a series of interviews had been conducted, and candidates had been shortlisted. He mentioned that they would begin their duties in August, with standard operating procedures (SOPs) provided along with necessary training. This initiative is part of MARA’s plan to appoint hostel wardens from among former police and military personnel in schools under its supervision to address the issue of bullying.

MARA will monitor the six-month trial period to evaluate the initiative’s effectiveness. Asyraf Wajdi expressed that they would consider all views, and if successful, the initiative would be implemented at all MRSMs nationwide.

Asyraf Wajdi clarified that the appointment of wardens from among retired military and police personnel does not imply the use of harsh disciplinary methods. Instead, the initiative recognizes their capability to monitor students full-time in hostels, unlike previous wardens who were teachers and whose core teaching duties could be disrupted.

He emphasized the importance of clear SOPs and strong foundational guidelines to ensure proper supervision and attention for students’ development in a safe hostel environment. He reassured parents that bullying, whether physical or mental, would not be tolerated.