MPs from Sabah and Sarawak urge the new education blueprint to address regional disparities in infrastructure, teacher shortages, and rural needs for effective implementation.
KUALA LUMPUR: Members of Parliament from Sabah and Sarawak have called for the upcoming Malaysia Education Blueprint 2026-2035 to be implemented inclusively.
They stressed the need to account for the stark realities of education infrastructure in both states.
Rodiyah Sapiee (GPS-Batang Sadong) welcomed plans to introduce preschool from age five and voluntary Year One entry at age six.
She cautioned that policy implementation must align with the availability of basic facilities, especially in rural areas.
“There are still dilapidated preschools, a shortage of child-friendly classrooms and trained teachers, as well as issues related to teacher placement in remote areas,” she said.
She argued the policy cannot use a ‘one size fits all’ approach.
Vivian Wong Shir Yee (PH-Sandakan) raised similar concerns, citing ongoing problems in Sandakan, Sabah.
“In Sandakan, dilapidated schools still exist, education infrastructure remains underdeveloped and students drop out due to weak basic facilities,” she said.
She urged for sufficient schools and classrooms, stating time is critical for government action.
Dr Radzi Jidin (PN-Putrajaya) highlighted a logistical challenge based on 2021 birth data.
He estimated roughly 440,000 children would reach age six by 2027.
“If the average class size is 35 pupils, then more than 12,500 classrooms will be required,” he said.
He noted it would be very challenging for the Ministry of Education to provide these within 11 months.
Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal (Warisan-Semporna) emphasised the need to strengthen Sabah’s education system.
He called for alignment between technical training, learning content and industry needs to boost youth employability.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim addressed concerns about the new entry age in the Dewan Rakyat.
He said Malaysia could not afford to lag behind, as 137 countries have already implemented entry to Year One at age six.
Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said an additional RM800 million is allocated in this year’s budget for urgent needs.
This includes the recruitment of 18,000 new teachers.
