Malaysian education system has helped reduce poverty

Currently only 2% of Malaysians live in poverty, a vast improvement from when Malaysia first gained independence.

BATANG SADONG: The Malaysian education system has been successful in reducing the poverty rate significantly in the country, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Nancy Shukri.

She said when Malaysia first gained its independence, there were only two per cent rich Malaysians but now there are only two per cent Malaysians who are still poor.

Nancy, who is Batang Sadong member of parliament said this in her speech during a thanksgiving ceremony for Sekolah Kebansaan (SK) Iboi/Pelandok here yesterday.

SK Iboi/Pelandok is among seven schools in Sarawak that recently received the Award for Excellence for Cluster Schools.
There were 111 secondary and primary schools in Sarawak nominated for the award but only seven were selected to receive the award.

Nancy stressed that education was important in producing human capital that was smart in analysing issues and would not easily be influenced with what was posted on social media.

She said among the challenges faced by the young generation were the threats from the so-called IS militants in Syria who were actively recruiting young people including children.

“Malaysia is no exception in facing the challenges when every month there are Malaysians being detained at the KL International Airport as they are suspected to be on their way to join the militant groups.”

She also urged schools to play an effective role as agents of change to transform the rural community to improve their standard of living and in facing greater challenges ahead.

She urged parents to give their children the best education so that they could find good jobs and escape the clutches of poverty.

- BERNAMA