RANAU: The Mara Junior Science College (MRSM) in Ranau, which went viral for being located at the highest location in the country, welcomed its first batch of students yesterday (March 11).
It was a hive of activity as students and parents made a beeline for the brand-new campus, located 8km from here, amidst the cool morning breeze yesterday during the registration for the new academic year.
The MRSM Ranau campus, developed by Petronas at a cost of RM132 million, is the result of a collaboration with the state government and Mara to enhance access to quality education among Sabah students and stimulating interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
Petronas Sabah and Labuan regional office general manager, Siti Ayu Abdul Wahab said they were excited to see the first group of students embarking on their educational journey at MRSM Ranau.
"It is indeed a historic occasion as this marks a new chapter in our commitment to support the aspirations of the state government in developing the human capital potential of young Sabahan talents," she said.
MRSM Ranau principal Ismail Badri said they welcomed the first batch of Form 1and Form 4 students.
He added that MRSM Ranau is different from other MRSMs due to its conducive environment, which is located near the foot of Mount Kinabalu.
"The combination of the environment, experienced teachers, and the facilities provided by Petronas hopefully will produce holistic and high-achieving students."
The campus spans over 26,000 square meters, providing ample space to accommodate up to 450 students.
It is equipped with various facilities including administrative building, academic block, resource centre, student dormitories, student centre, dining hall, multi-purpose hall, pavilion, surau, staff residence, ancillary buildings, and sports facilities that have been carefully planned to meet the needs of students, teachers, and campus management.
