Perak’s education director reveals 252 schools have under 150 pupils, with some operating with just five to seven students due to relocation and geography
KUALA KANGSAR: A total of 252 schools in Perak have been classified as under-enrolled this year, each with fewer than 150 students.
State Education Director Zulkafli Mohamed Mokhtar said the Kuala Kangsar District Education Office recorded the highest number at 33 schools.
The Bagan Datuk office followed with 32 schools and the Batang Padang office with 30.
Tamil National-Type Schools accounted for the largest number of under-enrolled schools at 91.
National Schools followed with 79, Chinese National-Type Schools with 70, and Orang Asli National Schools with 12.
“There are schools operating with as few as seven students, and some with only five,” Zulkafli said.
He cited historical and geographical factors, as well as families relocating to other areas, as contributors to low enrolment.
He was speaking to reporters after the First Day at School programme at Sekolah Kebangsaan Raja Perempuan Muzwin.
The event was also attended by Perak police chief Datuk Noor Hisam Nordin.
In his speech earlier, Zulkafli said the Safe School concept goes beyond physical safety.
It also encompasses students’ emotional safety and overall well-being.
“Examples of a Safe School include safe routes to and within the school compound, adherence to school discipline, and continuous efforts to prevent and address bullying and sexual crimes,” he said.
He added that students must be taught to obey traffic rules and use designated routes.
They must also practise good discipline and respect one another.
