MOE drawing up measures to address overcrowding in schools

The Education Ministry has drawn up several long- and short-term interventions to resolve the issue of overcrowding in schools nationwide.

Its minister Fadhlina Sidek said the short-term intervention involved the construction and use of cabins in schools with high student density, as well as dispersing students to nearby schools so that the number of students could be controlled, in an atmosphere conducive to learning.

She explained that the long-term intervention is the construction of new schools, which will take time, but the ministry will try its best to ensure the students’ comfort.

“In the last budget, 26 new schools have been approved to be constructed, and we hope that, with the new schools, we will be able to reduce the density of students in the school, and at the same time, our children will be able to learn in a comfortable environment.

“As for the use of cabins, there are some schools we have identified in terms of capacity, but it is only a short-term approach.

“For the long-term, they should attend lessons in school buildings which are conducive to learning,” she said.

Out of context

She said this after attending the state-level ministry Jaulah Ramadan 2024 programme, at SMK Sungai Acheh, Nibong Tebal which was also attended by her deputy, Wong Kah Woh.

Fadhlina said the ministry will continue to focus on addressing the issue, to provide comfort and a conducive learning environment for students.

She said Selangor and Kuala Lumpur are among the states with a high density of students in schools.

Commenting on a viral video on social media, related to the issue of kafir (infidels), she described the issue, which had been taken out of context.

“I mentioned that some things were quoted out of context, and my statement should be read and accepted in full, and in my view, this issue has been resolved.

“We should move on to make sure that the issues and reforms of education, which are being implemented, can be given focus. Ignore the issues which will interfere with our work, not to mention now that we are at the end of Ramadan,” she added.

- Bernama