Minister of Rural and Regional Development Ismail Sabri Yaacob has denied allegations that a proposal for a full paying version of Mara Junior Science College (MRSM) was to address a RM2 billion budget cut.

"The claim is absolutely false. I would like to stress that the education budget for Mara remains the same.

"With this (new paid) MRSM, it would increase the chances or access for (students from) higher-income group to further their education in MRSM boarding schools," said Ismail according to Sinar Harian today.