Those with disabilities, the Orang Asli, orphans and the hardcore poor will also be given special access.

Rural and Regional Development Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) would discuss the matter next year.

“3As and 3Bs have been proposed as the minimum qualification for poor students in rural and urban areas and 3As, 2Bs and 1C for poor students in Sabah and Sarawak.

“We will seek public feedback,” he told reporters after launching the Mara Education Foundation’s “back-to-school” programme here today.

At the event, Sabri distributed school bags to representatives of state Umno Youth and Puteri Umno.

Asked about the proposal to establish a private MRSM, Sabri said it would be considered, including whether the operation would need a new MRSM or utilise existing facilities.

The Umno supreme council member stressed the proposal to establish a private MRSM was made following high demand for a place in the college, especially from those who could afford to pay.