STEM, teacher shortages more urgent than school uniform colour, says Dr Annuar

SIBU (Jan 3): There are more urgent issues to address instead of the colour of school uniforms such as the lack of proper science laboratories in some schools and the shortage of Mathematics and Science teachers, opined Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee.

“Let’s be real – these are the issues we should be talking about.

“Some schools still don’t have proper science labs, killing students’ interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) before it even starts.

“Maths and Science get far too little time, which doesn’t match how important these subjects really are.

“Many teachers teaching DLP (Dual Language Programme) are still struggling with English and there is a shortage of Maths and Science teachers, especially in the rural schools,” said the State Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development in a Facebook post.

The Malay Mail, on Jan 2, reported the Ministry of Education was planning to standardise school uniforms nationwide to eliminate colour variations between schools.

Citing Utusan Malaysia in its report, Education Director-General Dr Mohd Azam Ahmad said the move followed a comprehensive review that had been underway since September, involving multiple stakeholders and a review of all related aspects.

“I think school uniforms with too many colours do not encourage us to instil a spirit of unity in our children. There is concern that we are teaching children from a young age to live in a way that emphasises differences and competition,” he said.

However, according to Bernama, the proposed standardisation of school uniforms is still under study and has not been finalised, confirming that there would be no changes to student uniforms for the 2026 academic year.

In a statement on Jan 2, Mohd Azam reportedly said a final decision would only be made after a thorough review of all aspects, with possible implementation in 2027.

He had added that the proposal was intended to promote unity among students and help ease parents’ financial burden for school preparations.