Latest news with #EducationMinistry
New Straits Times
3 hours ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Support structures needed to ensure mandatory schooling works, say advocates
KUALA LUMPUR: The National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) has lauded the Education Ministry's move to legislate mandatory schooling until a child reaches 17 years of age. NUTP secretary-general Fouzi Singon said the initiative should be accompanied by a special programme for students who do not perform well academically. "They do not continue their education because they cannot keep up academically. "The Education Ministry should provide special learning centres focused on hands-on skills. "This would ensure that those falling behind in literacy and numeracy continue to see school as offering long-term benefits. "Vocational learning centres should be available for students as early as Form 1 in every state to support these learners," he said, speaking from his personal experience as a teacher. He said that despite financial hardships, children should not abandon their education to work, as education is key to breaking the cycle of poverty. Meanwhile, Parent Action Group for Education (Page) chairman Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim said schools should implement early intervention systems to identify at-risk students based on attendance, behaviour, and academic performance. There should be strong counselling and mentoring programmes in place, with close collaboration between families and community leaders, she added. The government should also introduce relevant, practical curriculum options such as Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) for students less inclined toward academic tracks, along with support for mental health, learning disabilities, and socioeconomic challenges. Earlier, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the ministry was targeting the implementation of single-session schooling across more than 10,000 schools nationwide by 2030 to facilitate the expansion of preschool classes. Fadhlina said one of the ministry's special projects involves screening children with special needs, which will also be expanded to the preschool level. Azimah said these initiatives align with global best practices and demonstrate the government's serious commitment to improving access to quality education for every child. "Early detection and support for children with special needs is also long overdue, without it, many children fall through the cracks and are never given a fair chance," she said. However, she added that some parents, especially in low-income or rural communities, may struggle to adapt to the government's new policies. "For them, sending a child to school means transportation costs, meals, uniforms, and a loss of potential income. "Therefore, comprehensive subsidies, such as free meals, transportation assistance, and preschool fee waivers, are essential," she said. It was reported that the amendments to the Education Act 1996 would be tabled in the parliament next month to make it compulsory for children to receive education until the age of 17. Under the existing policy, every parent of a citizen residing in Malaysia must ensure that their child receives six years of compulsory primary education.
Focus Malaysia
5 hours ago
- Business
- Focus Malaysia
Anwar: Time not right for GST re-implementation because rakyat's income still low
THE Goods and Services Tax (GST) is an efficient and transparent taxation system, but it is not yet suitable for re-implementation because the rakyat's income threshold is still low, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said the government did not completely reject the proposal to re-implement the GST, but the ability of low-income people must be taken into account first because the taxation system has a comprehensive impact. 'We postponed (GST) because the income of the people was still too low. My opinion at the time was that people with an income of RM2,000 were still affected although we gave some exemptions. 'Sugar and rice are not affected, but when people buy other goods or ride the bus, indirectly GST (is imposed) meaning it is comprehensive,' he said during the Finance Ministry's monthly assembly on Friday (June 20). Anwar said the government believes that the re-implementation of GST should only be considered when the average income of the people has increased to a more reasonable level of at least RM4,000 a month. 'Let the people's income increase first, let's say the minimum salary is RM4,000 (a month), maybe at that time we can (implement it). 'Right now, there are people earning RM1,700 or RM2,000… Maybe I was not wise in making this decision, but my intention is not to introduce taxes that will have a detrimental effect on the lower-class people, that's all,' he said. Based on this view, Anwar said the government chose to implement a more targeted Sales and Service Tax (SST) from which the revenue would be used to increase allocations to key sectors of the country such as education and health. 'So this is our reason, we are taking this tax to return it to the people. The allocation for the Education Ministry from RM58 bil in 2024 has increased to RM64 bil this year. 'Similarly, for the Health Ministry, RM41 bil last year, we are adding RM4 bil a year (making it) RM45 bil,' he said, stressing that the government's priority now is to strengthen critical sectors and ensure transparent and effective management. Anwar stressed that any national fiscal policy decisions, including tax implementation, must be viewed from a macro perspective and not just short-term effects. At the same time, he acknowledged the government's weakness in terms of policy communication to the people, thus he called on all parties to provide more active explanations about the policies implemented to avoid confusion and baseless accusations. 'I hope my friends (in the government) will please explain. Sometimes we are defensive, we just let people attack and we don't respond… Indeed, our weakness is also in explaining (policies) because we assume everyone understands,' he said. GST was first introduced in Malaysia on April 1, 2015 as part of fiscal reforms to replace SST with an initial rate of 6 per cent imposed across the board on almost all goods and services except those exempted. However, GST has received widespread criticism from various sections of society for allegedly burdening consumers, especially the low-income group. The tax system was officially abolished on Sept 1, 2018 and replaced with SST. On June 9, the government announced that it would implement a targeted review of the Sales Tax rate and expansion of the scope of the Service Tax effective July 1 in line with strengthening the country's fiscal position by increasing revenue and broadening the tax base without burdening the people the most. The Sales Tax rate remains unchanged for essential goods while a rate of either five or 10% will be imposed on non-essential or discretionary goods. ‒ June 20, 2025 Main image: Reuters/Liesa Johannssen
New Straits Times
5 hours ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Fadhlina: Education access must go beyond just physical infrastructure
PUTRAJAYA: The Education Ministry is actively working to ensure that access to education reaches every student, particularly those in rural and remote areas, said its minister Fadhlina Sidek. In her keynote address at the launch of the Sekolah Angkat Madani initiative today, Fadhlina said the effort should not be viewed solely from the perspective of infrastructure provision, but must instead take into account educational needs in a holistic manner. She also said that the ministry recognises the significant challenges many children face at home, including food insecurity, which makes the role of schools even more crucial in shaping their futures. "There are children who return home without the certainty of having a proper meal. "These are the realities we face, and they remind us that schools must not only be seen in terms of infrastructure, but also as holistic spaces for the development of our children," she said. Present at the launch of the initiative were Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar. Fadhlina added that the ministry is exploring various innovative approaches, including the implementation of floating schools, specifically to provide access to education for children in areas such as Tasik Banding, Perak. She also said that some students in these areas are unable to attend school due to geographical challenges and the high cost of transportation. As such, she said the ministry's priority remains bridging the education gap, ensuring that no child is left behind, regardless of geographical or socioeconomic barriers. "The cost of getting to school can reach up to RM30 a day for a single student. "This situation places a heavy burden on families and causes some children to drop out. If they are unable to come to school, then we must bring the school to them," she said. Fadhlina added that the initiative is part of the ministry's new approach to ensuring more inclusive access to education that reflects the actual needs of local communities. "We are identifying the best model and require the support of all parties to ensure the programme can be implemented effectively," she said. She also said education should be seen as more than just physical infrastructure and should be regarded as a comprehensive support system for student development, encompassing welfare, character building and personal growth. "We are not just building schools. We are building the future of these children, and that is what truly matters," she said.
New Straits Times
6 hours ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
PM: Sekolah Angkat Madani goes beyond mere CSR
PUTRAJAYA: The public-private collaboration under the Sekolah Angkat Madani initiative goes beyond conventional corporate social responsibility (CSR), but reflects a deeper commitment to compassion and nation-building. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the initiative, joined by four government-linked investment companies (GLICs), namely Yayasan Sime Darby, Yayasan Petronas, Yayasan UEM and Yayasan TM, aims to uplift educational opportunities for underserved communities. The initiative, he said, reflects a shared commitment among various stakeholders towards advancing a more inclusive and compassionate national agenda, as corporations, civil servants and local communities join forces to strengthen education in selected schools across the country. "This collaboration goes beyond CSR. We are talking about compassion when they take on the responsibility to build this nation together and ensure that no one is left behind. "There is no point in talking purely about impressive growth and investment figures if we choose to neglect the poor and the marginalised. "We want to see large companies going to schools, engaging with students, introducing themselves, and inspiring these young minds with the meaning of success and how education can change their lives. "This, to me, is a remarkable feat, and could only happen with the full support of ministries, particularly the Education Ministry, the Public Service Department and our committed teachers," he said in his keynote address during the launch of the initiative today. Present were Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar. The initiative is a continuation of the government's commitment to driving a whole-of-nation approach to narrow the education gap. The initiative focuses on five core pillars, namely improving school infrastructure and facilities; academic and student mentoring programmes; teacher training and professional development; financial aid and scholarships; as well as character-building and skills development initiatives. To date, around 1,000 schools nationwide have been selected to participate in the programme, with the involvement and support of 32 private companies, 29 government-linked companies (GLCs) and GLICs, 29 government agencies, and 27 companies owned by the Minister of Finance (Incorporated). The initiative is also being implemented in collaboration with the Education Ministry, alongside the Finance Ministry, focusing on addressing fundamental school needs such as toilet repairs, provision of science labs, academic mentoring, and student character development. Anwar said the original concept began with Kampung Angkat Madani, which provided funding of up to RM100,000 for each village. The concept was later expanded to schools, following an overwhelming response from corporate and GLC stakeholders, he said. "From the initial 300 schools, we increased the number to 500. Now, we have managed to reach over 1,000 schools, thanks to the encouraging response from many large, responsible companies. "As such, I would like to thank the chief secretary (Shamsul Azri) and the teachers for embracing this initiative. "Teachers have not only accepted it, but are also open and willing to adopt new approaches for the benefit of their students," he said. Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, urged corporate leaders who contribute to the initiative to personally visit their adopted schools at least twice a year to motivate and directly engage with the students. "If chief executive officers and general managers come down, introduce themselves, and speak about their company's operations, the children will be inspired. "We want students in rural schools to know that they, too, have the right to dream big," he said. Anwar also acknowledged that educational challenges remain in remote areas, including issues related to basic facilities, student attendance, teacher availability, and infrastructure maintenance. He expressed hope that close cooperation between the government, corporate sector, and communities could be strengthened to ensure no one is left behind in the national education development agenda. "This is the true spirit of Madani. We build the nation not just with investment figures and profits, but with hearts full of responsibility and love for the future of our children."
Borneo Post
9 hours ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Chinese medium secondary schools receive RM10 mln annual grant from Sarawak government
Abang Johari (right) presents the RM10 million cheque to Lau. Also seen are Dr Sim (second right) and Wee. KUCHING (June 20): The Sarawak United Association of Private Chinese Secondary School Management Board (Sha Dong Zong) received an RM10 million grant from the Sarawak government today. The annual funding is for the 14 Chinese independent secondary schools in the state. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg presented the cheque to association board members here today. Association chairman Temenggong Dato Vincent Lau Lee Ming pointed out Chinese independent secondary schools have received such grants annually since 2014, when the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem was chief minister. The initial RM3 million grant increased yearly until five years ago when the association started to receive RM10 million each year. 'Over the past decade, the total cumulative funding has reached RM92 million. This long-term commitment has significantly alleviated the financial burden on school boards and provided a stable foundation for the sustainable development of all 14 Chinese independent secondary schools across Sarawak,' he said. Lau pointed out that the schools depended very much on public donations as they do not come under the Education Ministry. He thanked Abang Johari and the Sarawak government for their steadfast support. 'The continued allocation reflects the government's strong recognition of and commitment to the multi-stream education system in Sarawak, and serves as a testament to the enduring contributions and academic achievements of the Chinese independent school sector,' he stressed. 'In Chinese tradition, it is often said: 'To govern the nation well, one must first cultivate talent; and to cultivate talent, education must come first.' The Premier reaffirmed that enhancing the quality of local education remains a central pillar in Sarawak's strategic vision to become a high-income region by 2030.' Lau noted that the recently announced '2026 Free Higher Education Scheme for Outstanding Students' will also cover Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) candidates, reinforcing the Sarawak government's policy direction of nurturing home-grown talent. In alignment with the Premier's 'Third Language Policy', he said Chinese independent schools will continue to enhance their trilingual education model of Mandarin, Malay, and English, while actively advancing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education. Among those present were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian and Sha Dong Zong deputy chairman Datuk Richard Wee.
