KUALA LUMPUR: As of May 31, there are 3,062 primary schools in the country categorised as under-enrolled, with fewer than 150 pupils, said Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek.

In a parliamentary reply yesterday, Fadhlina said the number, however, excludes special education schools, Orang Asli schools, special model schools, special model K9 schools and government-aided religious schools.

"Of the total, 626 are vernacular Chinese schools (SJKC) and 383 vernacular Tamil schools (SJKT), with there remaining 2,053 are national schools (SK)," she said in response to Onn Abu Bakar (PH-Batu Pahat).

Onn inquired about the immediate and long-term measures to address the issue of under-enrolled schools as well as the financial impact that can be detrimental to the country.

Fadhlina said the ministry has formulated several strategies to address issues related to under-enrolled schools (SKM) under the SKM Direction Plan initiative.

"The implementation of combined classes is carried out in schools with 30 students or fewer, where teaching and learning across different grades are conducted by combining Year 2 with Year 3, and Year 4 with Year 5.

"As for schools merging strategies involve combining two or more schools of the same type within a five-kilometre radius.

"However, the merging of two SKM schools within the same locality is subject to written majority consent from parents or guardians.

"For schools that cannot be merged or relocated, such as those in remote or island areas, these schools will be retained to ensure the continuity of education for students residing in those locations.

"Additionally, strategies for relocating transferring SKM to new locations in areas with high population densities are implemented to help increase the enrollment.

"This strategy is executed if the SKM meets criteria such as identifying a new site and obtaining written majority consent from parents or guardians of the students."

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/07/1077069/fadhlina-3062-primary-schools-under-enrolled-may-31