MEMBAKUT: Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif hopes that the People's Trust Council (MARA) can establish a MARA Professional College in Sabah to enable students in the state to continue their studies to the next level.

Commenting further, Arifin said MARA as a government agency has contributed in many aspects to the people not only in Sabah but also Malaysia in general from an educational and economic perspective and he believed that with the existence of the college, it could help the government improve living standards.

“"We hope that MARA can realise the MARA Professional College in Sabah. Hopefully MARA can consider that (establishing it in Sabah), no matter where the important thing is in Sabah.".

“"There are five MARA Science Colleges in Sabah and these institutions provide many benefits and services to children in Sabah, therefore with the existence of the MARA Professional College it can support existing education, as well as provide opportunities to continue their studies," he said.

He said this when met by reporters in conjunction with the Membakut District Rural Entrepreneur Empowerment Programme (PPULB) held at the Islamic Arts Hall, near here on Thursday.

Also present were Sabah MARA State Director, Dr Shahrizin Abdul Sarhadat and Membakut District Officer, Ibrahim Terki.

In a related development, Arifin, who is also the Membakut State Assemblyman (ADUN), hopes that MARA can open a branch office in the district to ensure that the agency can provide continuous guidance to the people, including local entrepreneurs.

“"Apart from being able to provide ongoing guidance, I believe that the branch, if established, will also be able to facilitate any related matters for the target group in the future," he said.

At the event, a total of RM10,000 was allocated to the MARA Education Foundation (YPM) for educational assistance which was distributed to 100 B40 students from three secondary schools in the Membakut district, which was presented by Arifin.