Recently, Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) announced its decision to offer Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Tahfiz students the opportunity to become pilots, as long as they meet the basic requirements set by aviation training academies.
According to its chairman, Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, MARA will soon open funding applications for new students interested in the cadet pilot programme, with priority given to Tahfiz students.
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“Do they think Tahfiz students are of lesser capability?”
Dr Asyraf has once again taken to Facebook to respond to negative comments that flooded the comment section of a local media page following the announcement.
He said the remarks were an attempt to belittle and question MARA’s efforts to elevate Tahfiz students into professional fields, including becoming pilots.
Asyraf wajdi dusuki
He also pointed to the 2025 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) results, saying that some of the top achievers are actually Tahfiz students.
“The 2025 SPM results showed that eight MRSM Ulul-Albab schools, where all students have memorised the 30 Juzuk of the Quran, ranked among the top 20 schools in Malaysia. In addition, 221 MRSM Huffaz students achieved straight A’s in all subjects, including Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Additional Mathematics.
“Do they think Tahfiz students are of lesser capability? Say whatever you want, but as long as I am the MARA Chairman, efforts to elevate and professionalise the Huffaz community will continue to be strengthened,” he added.
Eligibility requirements for the programme will be announced soon
Previously, Dr Asyraf said MARA will be releasing an advertisement along with the eligibility requirements for Tahfiz students in the cadet pilot programme in the near future.
He added that new students applying for the cadet pilot programme must meet the basic requirements set by aviation training academies such as Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) and BATS Aviation.
“The academies sponsored by MARA must also have agreements with airline companies to guarantee employment for trainees who receive MARA funding,” he said.
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