Malaysia's decision to extend mandatory schooling to 11 years has sparked debate. While experts recognize the long-term benefits for students and national development, concerns arise regarding the potential conflicts between education and workforce entry, particularly for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The need for structural reforms and addressing the high dropout rate among secondary school students with weak academic performance are crucial aspects to ensure the policy's success.
Malaysia's decision to extend mandatory schooling from six to 11 years has ignited discussions among education experts regarding its potential implications, benefits, and challenges. Dr. Anuar Ahmad, deputy director of the Malaysia Institute of Inclusive Development and Advancement, acknowledges the policy's long-term advantages for both students and national development. However, he emphasizes the need for structural reforms to ensure its effectiveness.
Anuar raises concerns about secondary school students who might opt to enter the workforce instead of pursuing further education. He points out the conflict between the Education Act 1996, which mandates schooling, and the Children and Young Persons (Employment) Act 1966, which allows children as young as 13 to engage in light work and those aged 15 to work full time. Anuar calls for harmonization between these two laws, stressing the importance of prioritizing education while considering the economic and social circumstances of students who might need to start working at a younger age.Another significant challenge highlighted by Anuar is the high dropout rate among secondary school students struggling academically. He attributes this issue to inadequate literacy and numeracy skills, often stemming from a lack of early childhood education. Citing a World Bank report from April 2024, Anuar states that 24% of Malaysian children entering primary school lack essential school-readiness skills. The primary school curriculum assumes basic reading and counting skills, but those who missed out on preschool education often struggle to keep up, leading to demotivation and a higher risk of dropping out. Anuar emphasizes the need for early intervention through strong foundational literacy and numeracy skills to better prepare children for primary and secondary education, ultimately reducing dropout rates.
EDUCATION POLICY MALAYSIA SCHOOLING MANDATORY EDUCATION ECONOMIC CIRCUMSTANCES DROP OUT RATE EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION LITERACY NUMERACY
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