LANGKAWI: Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) chairman Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki conducted a surprise inspection of the facilities, including toilets, at a Mara Junior Science College (MRSM) in Langkawi yesterday.
During the inspection, he was taken aback by the condition of the facilities, discovering a toilet door that collapsed with just a light touch.
Several other toilets were found with missing doors, broken lights, and malfunctioning sinks.
Asyraf shared his findings on Facebook and TikTok, explaining that the inspection was carried out without prior notice to the institution's management, following numerous complaints from parents.
"I called the principal to inform them of my arrival, but the security guard appeared surprised when I reached the guardhouse. Thankfully, he recognised me.
"I didn't announce my visit in advance. I took an early flight to Langkawi before boarding a boat to Kuala Perlis to meet with the Raja of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail, in the afternoon," he said.
The complaints Asyraf received included issues such as broken toilets, water supply problems, dirty food trays, and other matters affecting student welfare.
He said that some of these complaints were indeed valid.
"I've repeatedly reminded MRSM management, as well as other Mara educational institutions, to prioritise maintenance requests for essential facilities that directly impact the welfare of students and teachers, including toilets, learning equipment, dormitories, and classrooms," he added.
Asyraf also addressed the ongoing water supply issues on Langkawi Island, saying that the Mara Council and Management had approved special funding to ensure an uninterrupted water supply for the school.
This included adding water storage tanks and covering the cost of water trucks from Syarikat Air Darul Aman (Sada).
Despite the challenges, Asyraf expressed his confidence in the MRSM Langkawi's potential.
"I am hopeful that, with the dedication of its teachers and the positive attitude of its students, MRSM Langkawi will regain its status as one of the top schools for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) exam," he said.