[UPDATED] Bill for compulsory secondary education tabled for second reading in Dewan Rakyat

New Straits Times

3 days ago

KUALA LUMPUR: The Bill to make secondary education compulsory was tabled for its second reading in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Under the proposed amendments, the government seeks to introduce a new provision — Section 32A — into the Education Act 1996, which would empower the Education Minister to issue a gazetted order making secondary education mandatory.
The provision also outlines that failure to comply could result in a fine of up to RM5,000, a maximum six-month prison term, or both, unless the child has been granted an exemption.
The Bill further proposes expanding the scope of Section 29A, which currently mandates only primary education for children of Malaysian citizens residing in the country. The revised provision would extend this requirement to all Malaysian children living in Malaysia, thereby strengthening educational access.
Tabling the Bill, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the amendments were part of continued efforts to ensure the Act remained relevant and responsive to current realities and future challenges.
"This amendment is not merely a revision of legal provisions. It reflects the Madani government's commitment to ensuring every Malaysian child receives holistic and continuous education, regardless of background or location," she said.
Fadhlina said that the policy of compulsory education was not new.
It was first implemented on Jan 1, 2003 under Section 29 of the Act, which mandates formal education at the primary level.
"Since this policy was introduced in 2003, enrolment rates have risen significantly from 92.9 per cent in 2003 to 99.39 per cent in 2024," she said.
However, she added that secondary school enrolment had not yet reached a satisfactory level.
Currently, the lower secondary enrolment rate stands at 96.31 per cent, while upper secondary enrolment is at 92.6 per cent.
"This indicates that some of our children are still dropping out after completing Standard 6.
"Students who do not pursue secondary education face barriers to higher studies, including the lack of a Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) or equivalent qualification. This not only hampers career prospects but also increases the risk of social issues and criminal misconduct," she said.
Fadhlina added that extending compulsory education was also a means of tackling broader societal problems.
"When children remain in the school system, we reduce the risk of dropouts, child marriages, and other social issues arising from lack of access to education," she said.
She stressed that the amendment's true essence lies not in the punitive measures it introduces, but in the broader goal of promoting continuous education and public awareness.
"This is a collective responsibility to ensure that no child slips through the cracks. It is a reformative move — realistic in approach, guided by compassion, and grounded in the Madani values of ihsan. These principles are the foundation and guiding pillar of this amendment," she said.
A total of 33 Members of Parliament are expected to debate the Bill.