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In a concerning development, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek recently announced that over 27,000 primary and secondary students have dropped out of public schools in Malaysia. The majority of these dropout cases involve Bumiputera students, with 1,496 students dropping out at the primary level, and 19,347 students at the secondary level.
The dropout rates among Bumiputera students are alarming. At the primary level, the dropout rate was 0.06% in 2024, with 1,275 Bumiputera students dropping out out of 1,496 total dropouts. At the secondary level, the dropout rate has declined from 1.33% in 2020 to 0.64% in 2024.
Several factors contribute to the high dropout rates among Bumiputera students. Economic and social challenges, such as poverty and lack of accessibility, especially affect Bumiputera communities in rural areas, including Orang Asli populations. Health issues, academic difficulties, age and behavioral factors, and a shift to private education also play a significant role.
Recognizing the complex nature of the issue, the Ministry of Education in Malaysia is implementing targeted, needs-based interventions. The ministry's approach is described as "contextual" intervention, focusing on needs that cut across ethnicity and locality. One such measure is the Zero Student Drop Out pilot programme, which identifies the causes of students leaving school and prioritizes aid to students regardless of their ethnicity but based on need.
Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh stated that key initiatives like the Comprehensive Special Model Schools (K9 and K11) have contributed to the reduction in dropout numbers. These schools provide quality and inclusive education, especially for students in rural and remote areas. As of the current status, there are 28 K9 schools and two K11 schools.
The ministry is also planning to add seven more K9 schools to the Comprehensive Special Model Schools, aiming to further improve educational opportunities for students in need. Despite the progress, the decline in dropout numbers has been marginal, with retention programs only slightly reducing the overall dropout rate.
The issue of school dropout among Bumiputera students remains an ongoing concern. However, the Ministry of Education's commitment to addressing the problem through targeted interventions offers hope for a brighter future for these students. By focusing on the root causes of the issue and providing the necessary support, the ministry aims to ensure that every student in Malaysia has the opportunity to succeed.
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