State's top rank in English proficiency reflects good education, economic potential

The Star

17-06-2025

PERAK residents believe that history, education system, and cultural ties are behind the state's top rank in English proficiency nationwide.
Lecturer Muhammad Syafiq Imran Abdul Rahim, 31, believes that English fluency in Perak can be traced to British colonial times when many locals had to learn the language to work in tin mines.
'Even after Independence, many elders saw English as a global language and encouraged their children to learn it,' he said when interviewed by StarMetro.
English usage in the state remains high, especially in tourist spots, he pointed out.
'Walk through the night markets or Pasar Karat and you'll hear elderly traders speaking fluent English.
'This reflects how seriously the older generation embraced the language, laying a strong foundation that continues today,' he added.
Muhammad Syafiq Imran says English fluency in Perak can be traced to British colonial times.
According to the EF English Proficiency Index (EPI) 2024, Perak achieved a score of 585, making it the highest-ranked Malaysian state.
The globally recognised index evaluates the English skills of adults in over 100 countries.
Based on the index scoring system, proficiency levels are divided into five categories.
A score of 600 and above reflects a very high level of proficiency.
A mark in the 550 to 599 range indicates a high level of proficiency.
A moderate level score is between 500 and 549, a low level score is from 450 to 499, and a very low score is below 450.
Human resource executive Sharieza Sani, 40, said the state's English proficiency could also be traced to its mission schools legacy.
'Back then, many schools used English as the main medium for learning and communication.
'That gave pupils a solid foundation to build on.
'We have always lived side by side with people from different backgrounds.
'So, English became the common thread helping us understand one another better,' he said.
Uma believes English fluency in Perak will enable its tourism sector to flourish even more.
S. Uma, 54, a salesperson, described the state's top ranking as a proud milestone.
'With our state now leading the nation in English proficiency, I believe our tourism sector will flourish even more.
'When language is no longer a barrier, it creates a better overall experience for international tourists,' she added.
Non-governmental organisation Ipoh City Watch president Dr Richard Ng praised Perak's achievement.
'It reflects a combination of effective education, community engagement, digital access, and economic drivers, all fostering a culture where English proficiency is seen as a key to success.
'Activities such as debates and public speaking competitions are commonly held,' he said.
'English is also widely-used in daily life, while access to English media is more prevalent in urban and semi-urban areas.
'I hope the state will continue investing in English education while promoting multilingual learning.
'The state should leverage on this proficiency to attract international business and tourism, and share best practices with other states,' he added.
Malaysian English Language Teaching Association (Melta) president Prof Dr Sivabala Naidu said this achievement reflected effective English language education initiatives, dedicated educators as well as a supportive leadership and learning environment within the state.
'Such progress aligns with Melta's objectives to enhance English language teaching and learning nationwide,' he said.
While Perak led nationally, he said there was room to elevate its standing to the 'Very High Proficiency' category.
To achieve this, Prof Sivabala said the state could consider investing in quality continuous professional development for English language teachers based on ground-level needs.
He said there should be more comprehensive programmes that developed all four language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing.
'There is also the need to equip schools with modern teaching and learning resources such as language labs, and access to digital learning tools.
'This may need support from local corporate partners.
'Consider extracurricular activities that promote the use of English in real-life contexts and Highly Immersive Programmes in all schools,' he added.
Parent Action Group for Education (Page) chairman Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim said Perak's leading position in English proficiency was a testament to its effective educational strategies.
'Perak's achievement inspires other states in Malaysia to prioritise English language education in a globalised world,' she said, expressing hope that Perak would continue investing in English language education.
'Leverage proficiency for economic growth to attract international businesses and promote tourism.
'Perak is ready and able to be the mover for the Northern Economic Corridor and support Penang in the semiconductor industry.
'It will be most unfortunate if this high English proficiency is not fully capitalised on,' said Noor Azimah.