Ready in 2005 but still vacant

Ready in 2005 but still vacant
By Zarina Abdullah

2009/02/27

KUALA TERENGGANU: After more than three years, Mara Junior Science College students are still not allowed to occupy dormitories and classrooms in two buildings which were built in 2005. The college, which has facilities to accommodate 500 students, had plans to increase the intake to 800.

However, the delay in handing over the RM20 million premises to the college has meant that it has had to postpone its plans.

The college is meant for high-achievers. More than 70 per cent of the students here are locals.

Kuala Berang assemblyman Mohd Zawawi Ismail said he was disappointed that "internal matters" had led to many high performers not being given a chance to continue their studies at the college.

"I hope the matter will be resolved soon, otherwise the state will be the biggest loser.

"I am speaking not just as an assemblyman but also as a parent whose child had once attended this college.

"This institution is renowned for producing excellent students," he said yesterday.

Principal Zainal Yunus declined to comment.

The New Straits Times has learnt that a certificate of fitness has yet to be issued for the buildings as some specifications have not been met.