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New Straits Times
12 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.
Free Malaysia Today
3 days ago
- General
- Free Malaysia Today
Teachers don't lack time to complete syllabus, says NUTP
NUTP secretary-general Fouzi Singon suggested that the ministry reassess all high-impact programmes, including those he said only serve to waste the time and emotional efforts of teachers. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : The National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) has denied that teachers are short on time to complete the syllabus, insisting that total schooling days remain consistent each year. NUTP secretary-general Fouzi Singon said schools operate according to the official calendar set by the education ministry, with no fewer than 190 school days per year. 'Schools have administrative assistants, department heads, and committee heads to manage each subject. 'Teachers know what they're doing to ensure the success of their students every year. Co-curriculars have been planned by the ministry, education department, district education departments, and schools,' he told FMT. Fouzi was commenting on teachers' concerns that a large portion of the syllabus remained uncompleted despite the academic session already passing the halfway point. Yesterday, Anuar Ahmad of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia claimed that numerous programmes organised by administrators, both within and outside of school, had disrupted teaching schedules. He said the academic session this year was also shorter, with the next one to begin in January. Fouzi said teachers understood their responsibilities and were fully committed to ensuring their students' success, but also acknowledged that some schools ran programmes outside of the yearly plan. 'There is no denying that some schools have not properly considered whether the programmes implemented will have an impact on students' education, or are simply to fulfil the demands of their management,' he said. He suggested that the ministry reassess all high-impact programmes, including those which he said only served to waste the time and emotional efforts of teachers. 'Programmes not scheduled in the calendar don't have to be run. The World Bank report that Malaysian students spend an average of 11 years in school but learn the equivalent of only eight years must be taken into account and acted on by the ministry,' he said.
Daily Express
4 days ago
- General
- Daily Express
Teachers don't lack time to complete syllabus, says NUTP
Published on: Tuesday, June 17, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jun 17, 2025 By: Anne Muhammad, FMT Text Size: NUTP secretary-general Fouzi Singon suggested that the ministry reassess all high-impact programmes, including those he said only serve to waste the time and emotional efforts of teachers. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA: The National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) has denied that teachers are short on time to complete the syllabus, insisting that total schooling days remain consistent each year. NUTP secretary-general Fouzi Singon said schools operate according to the official calendar set by the education ministry, with no fewer than 190 school days per year. Advertisement 'Schools have administrative assistants, department heads, and committee heads to manage each subject. 'Teachers know what they're doing to ensure the success of their students every year. Co-curriculars have been planned by the ministry, education department, district education departments, and schools,' he told FMT. Fouzi was commenting on teachers' concerns that a large portion of the syllabus remained uncompleted despite the academic session already passing the halfway point. Yesterday, Anuar Ahmad of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia claimed that numerous programmes organised by administrators, both within and outside of school, had disrupted teaching schedules. He said the academic session this year was also shorter, with the next one to begin in January. Fouzi said teachers understood their responsibilities and were fully committed to ensuring their students' success, but also acknowledged that some schools ran programmes outside of the yearly plan. 'There is no denying that some schools have not properly considered whether the programmes implemented will have an impact on students' education, or are simply to fulfil the demands of their management,' he said. He suggested that the ministry reassess all high-impact programmes, including those which he said only served to waste the time and emotional efforts of teachers. 'Programmes not scheduled in the calendar don't have to be run. The World Bank report that Malaysian students spend an average of 11 years in school but learn the equivalent of only eight years must be taken into account and acted on by the ministry,' he said.
Free Malaysia Today
02-06-2025
- General
- Free Malaysia Today
No need for teachers to lead mass movements again, says NUTP
NUTP secretary-general Fouzi Singon said teachers aren't as visible as before but still play an important role in criticising government leaders, especially on social media. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : The National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) says there is no pressing need for teachers to lead mass movements as they did in the past, given today's political and social landscape. NUTP secretary-general Fouzi Singon said teachers remain important voices when criticising government leaders, especially on social media, even if they are no longer at the forefront as before. He said the landscape has changed, with Malay society now more diverse and materialistic, meaning the old model of teacher-led activism is no longer necessary. 'In the past, Malay society did look to the teachers to lead nationalist movements. But the situation today does not demand such mobilisation,' he told FMT. Fouzi's remarks came in response to Indera Mahkota MP Saifuddin Abdullah's call for Malay teachers to revive their historic role in activism that helped shape Malaysia's independence, culture, and politics. Saifuddin said Malay teachers should serve as catalysts, contributing ideas, community leaders and political activists to steer the nation's future. Fouzi agreed that teachers remain key agents of political change, though their contributions often go unrecognised. 'Their current role is to preserve Malay and Eastern socio-cultural values and empower the younger generation to build the nation,' he said. 'It is important not to sideline teachers in national agendas. Their views must be taken seriously. With 420,000 teachers nationwide, it's possible they could mobilise if the time is right.'
New Straits Times
17-05-2025
- General
- New Straits Times
NUTP: Parents' role crucial for PdPR participation during Asean Summit
KUALA LUMPUR: Parents' cooperation is vital to ensure students participate actively in their home-based teaching and learning (PdPR) from May 26 to 28, said the National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP). Its secretary-general, Fouzi Singon, said NUTP welcomed the government's decision to allow 71 schools in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur to implement PdPR during the 46th Asean Summit. "Both teachers and students have experience conducting PdPR from the Covid-19 pandemic, which will help ensure a smoother implementation. "However, NUTP emphasised that parental cooperation is crucial in ensuring students participate actively in their home-based learning sessions. "Teaching and learning do not necessarily have to be conducted entirely online. "It can also be carried out through various methods, including printed modules and assignments prepared for completion at home," he said when contacted. He added that teachers were advised to remain home and be on standby during the two days of PdPR implementation. "Teachers must be aware of their service obligations and understand the need to remain home throughout the official working period. This is part of their professional responsibility." He said the option of replacement school days should be considered, if feasible. "Replacement school days may be a more suitable alternative in some cases, as these could better ensure teacher safety and offer more direct learning benefits to students through face-to-face interaction and clearer understanding of lessons," he said. Earlier, the Education Ministry, in a statement, said 71 schools in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor have been given the green light to implement PdPR from May 26 to 28 in conjunction with the 46th Asean Summit. The ministry said the decision was made to ensure learning continued smoothly amid traffic diversions and increased security throughout the summit period. A total of 30 schools in Selangor and 41 in Kuala Lumpur were allowed to implement PdPR. The schools that will implement it in Selangor are SK Lembah Subang, SK Assunta (Satu),SK (L) Bukit Bintang (1), SK Methodist, SK Jalan Selangor (Satu), SK 2 Jalan Selangor, SK Satu Sultan Alam Shah, SK 2 Sultan Alam Shah, SK Sungei Way, SJK(T) Vivekananda, SMK Sri Utama, SMK Lembah Subang, SMK Assunta, SMK (L) Bukit Bintang, SMK Katholik, SMK La Salle, SMK Sultan Abdul Samad, SMK (P) Tmn Petaling, SK Tudm Subang, SK TTDI Jaya, SK Bukit Jelutong, SMK TTDI Jaya, SMK Shah Alam, SMK Bukit Jelutong, SK Cyberjaya, SK Taman Putra Perdana, SK Taman Putra Perdana 2, SJK (C) Union, SMK Cyberjaya and SMK Putra Perdana. The Kuala Lumpur schools that will implement PdPR are SMK Convent Bukit Nanas, SMK Puteri Wilayah, SMK Padang Tembak, SMK Puteri Ampang, SMK Seri Ampang, SMK Puteri Titiwangsa, SMK Seri Titiwangsa, St John Institution, SK Convent 1 and 2 Bukit Nanas, SK St John 1, SJKC Nan Kai, SK Kg Bharu, SK Pendidikan Khas Kg Bharu, SJKT Jalan Fletcher, SK Jalan Kuantan 2, SK Padang Tembak 1, SK Padang Tembak 2, SK Polis Depot, SK Jalan Gurney 1, SK Jalan Gurney 2, SK Jalan Raja Muda, SJKC Lai Meng and SMK Maxwell. Also involved are SMK Kiaramas, SJKT Appar, SJKC Chung Kwok, SK (L) Jalan Batu, SK(P) Jalan Batu, SK Pendidikan Khas Jalan Batu, SJKC Chung Kwok, SK Kiaramas, SMK (P) Bandaraya, SMK (P) Jalan Pudu, SMK (P) Methodist, SJKC Kuen Cheng 1, SK Jalan Hang Tuah, SK (P) Pudu, SJKC Kung Min, SK Jalan Pasar, SK Dato Abu Bakar and SK Sultan Hishamuddin Alam Shah.
