Support structures needed to ensure mandatory schooling works, say advocates
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.
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