Orang Asli kids skip school to earn money

The Star

23-05-2025

Missing out on education: Orang Asli children fishing in a stream near their house instead of being in school. — THOMAS YONG/The Star
JOHOR BARU: A growing number of Orang Asli children in Kampung Sungai Temun are skipping school to work at nearby eateries. It is a trend that has sparked concern among community leaders and educators, who fear these youths are being robbed of their future.
Salim Palon, the village head, is troubled by the sight of teenagers working at coffee shops during school hours, often with the blessing or insistence of their own parents, who urge them to earn money for the family.
Salim says parents are to be blamed. — THOMAS YONG/The Star 'This issue has been ongoing for decades. The parents used to give excuses such as a lack of aid and incentives to help their children go to school.
'Over the years, the government and elected representatives have provided assistance, including free transportation, uniforms, and a local tuition centre within our village, but students are still falling far behind academically,' he said.
Salim expressed frustration that many parents in the village, home to the Seletar ethnic group, do not recognise the significance of their children's education.
'I've urged parents repeatedly, education is the way to break the cycle of poverty. But some still allow their children to skip school or drop out as if it's normal,' he said.
To lead by example, Salim has reserved the village hall as a tuition space for children instead of renting it out for RM2,000.
Salim, who has 10 children, all of whom have completed their formal education, added that the issue lies with the parents.
'Many don't even turn up for parent-teacher meetings, nor do they review their children's studies to encourage them. I've seen children waiting until late afternoon, hoping their parents would show up, only to be disappointed. It's heartbreaking,' he said.
The problem is well-known to educators, with SK Sungai Danga assistant headmaster Azizul Aziz saying that many parents are indifferent to their children's schooling.
'They simply tell us, 'My child doesn't want to go,' and leave it at that, like education is optional,' he said.
To address this, Azizul and the school's headmaster met with the village head to speak directly with parents, reminding them that failing to enrol their children in primary school without valid reasons is a punishable offence, with fines of up to RM5,000.
'We even offered parents the opportunity to accompany their children in class, just so they feel supported,' Azizul added.
Those efforts are starting to bear fruit, as reports indicate that fewer students are skipping class.
'It's slow progress, but it's a start,' said Azizul.
Still, a major hurdle remains, as many Orang Asli pupils complete primary school but never move on to Form One.
When contacted, Johor education and information committee chairman Aznan Tamin acknowledged the issue and said the state government is treating it seriously.
'We are examining the factors that drive students to leave school, including pressure to help their families economically.
'We are planning initiatives such as strengthening early intervention, giving them a RM4 daily attendance incentive, and expanding aid like the Supplementary Food Programme and Early School Assistance,' he said.