Ministry to make secondary education mandatory to tackle school dropouts

Wong speaking in Dewan Rakyat on March 3, 2026.

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, March 3: The Ministry of Education Malaysia (MOE) will amend existing laws to make secondary education compulsory in a move to tackle school dropouts, particularly among students from low-income families.

In a TVS news, Deputy Minister of Education Wong Kah Woh said the proposed changes, outlined in the Education Bill 2025, involve amendments to the Education Act 1996, including the introduction of Section 32A, which empowers the Minister to designate secondary education as mandatory.

“This means the current Compulsory Education Policy will be extended from primary to secondary education.

“The government’s aim, rooted in compassion, is to ensure every child has access to education,” he informed the Dewan Rakyat in responding to a question from Chong Zhemin (Pakatan Harapan–Kampar).

Wong also highlighted that the Ministry provides 18 types of school aid to support students from low-income families.

“This includes 13 targeted forms of assistance and five general types. Programmes such as the Federal Small Scholarship and Back-to-School Aid have been strengthened to ease family burdens and encourage students to stay in school. Hostel facilities are also available for students who live far from schools,” he added.

To reduce dropout risks during transitions, MOE runs the Comprehensive School Programme and Special Model School Programme in rural and remote areas, allowing students to continue their studies in the same school.

“In areas with unique geographical challenges, initiatives like the Floating School Programme on Lake Banding ensure education remains accessible, even in hard-to-reach locations,” Wong added. — DayakDaily