SECONDARY education is crucial in giving young women in Malaysia a chance at a better future. Yet, rising dropout rates continue to leave many girls vulnerable, limiting their ability to break free from poverty and harmful societal norms, say activists and experts.
Child activist and Yayasan Chow Kit founder Datuk Dr Hartini Zainudin said making secondary education mandatory plays a vital role in keeping girls in school.
Hartini“It is a critical step in advancing Malaysia’s commitment to equitable education and achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education).
“By mandating secondary education, the government ensures that all children, regardless of gender or socioeconomic background, have access to at least a foundational level of education.
“This policy is particularly transformative for young girls, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, as it addresses systemic inequalities that have historically limited their access to education,” she told StarEdu.
Compulsory secondary education, she added, can significantly alter young girls’ life trajectories.
“It equips them with critical skills, knowledge and qualifications that enhance their employability and earning potential, thereby breaking intergenerational cycles of poverty.
“Education also empowers girls to make informed decisions about their lives, including delaying early marriage and childbirth, which are often linked to lower educational attainment,” she explained.
She also said that research consistently shows that educated women are more likely to contribute positively to their families and communities, leading to broader socioeconomic benefits for society.
“In Malaysia’s context, where disparities in access to education persist among rural and urban areas as well as across income groups, this legislation could serve as a catalyst for reducing inequalities.
“For disadvantaged girls, particularly those from low-income (B40) families or marginalised communities, compulsory secondary education acts as a safeguard against dropout due to financial pressures or societal norms that deprioritise their schooling,” she said.
Farah Nini
Moving the bill forward
In December last year, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek announced that the bill to amend the Education Act 1996 (Act 550) to make secondary education compulsory would be tabled at Dewan Rakyat in February this year (see infographic).
On Feb 17, however, she told reporters that discussions were still ongoing to ensure all parties were aligned in supporting and endorsing the amendments.
“We are currently waiting for our turn. If not, then it will be during the next parliamentary session, but engagements are still ongoing,” she told the media during the opening ceremony of SK Taman Pelangi in Semenyih last month.
In 2023, the Cabinet gave preliminary approval to extend the compulsory primary education policy – in effect since 2003 – to secondary schooling.
The move, Fadhlina had earlier said, reflects the ministry’s commitment to ensuring that no child is left behind.
Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO) executive director Nazreen Nizam said making secondary education compulsory can yield significant long-term socioeconomic benefits, both for individuals and the nation.
“Studies have shown that secondary education contributes positively to economic growth, and can encourage more students to pursue tertiary education, which has a significant impact on gross domestic product growth in both the short and long term,” she said.
She added that educated women are also more likely to invest in their children’s education, perpetuating a positive cycle of empowerment.
Nazreen also said that for many girls, particularly those from marginalised communities, education acts as a protective factor against early marriage and child labour, both often driven by financial hardship.
“By keeping girls in school and providing them with the necessary support – such as scholarships, transportation, and food assistance – governments and organisations can help them complete their education and achieve financial independence,” she said.
Strengthening support
Children’s Commissioner to the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) Dr Farah Nini Dusuki said priority must be given to ensuring children not only attend school but also remain in it.
“Schools must be made more accessible, especially in rural areas of East and Peninsular Malaysia. Roads and transportation must be significantly improved,” she said.
Agreeing, Nazreen said strengthening education access, particularly for vulnerable communities, is crucial.
“Provide free quality education for all children and ensure socioeconomic support for B40 families through targeted financial aid related to schooling,” she said, adding that improving monitoring mechanisms is essential to track the effectiveness of implemented policies.
Meanwhile, Hartini said civil society organisations (CSOs) play a crucial role in complementing government efforts.
“CSOs should continue advocating for stronger legal protections, support community-level initiatives, and provide direct services to at-risk girls,” she said.
Nazreen
High cost of neglect
Hartini warned that the consequences of neglecting girls’ education and development extend beyond the individual.
“When a significant portion of the population is undereducated and economically disadvantaged, it hampers overall national progress.
“Leaving girls behind reinforces gender disparities in education, employment and social status,” she said.
Nazreen added that cultural norms and socioeconomic factors often dictate decisions to pull girls out of school.
In many families, when financial constraints arise or a family member becomes ill, girls are more likely than boys to be pulled out of school to provide care or manage household tasks, she said.
“This is especially so in societies where gender roles are rigidly defined and women are primarily seen as caretakers and homemakers,” she noted.
Mandatory schooling, Nazreen said, can keep girls in a safer and more structured environment, offering them opportunities for personal development and career success.
“By continuing their education, girls can foster a sense of autonomy and gain the knowledge and skills needed to make informed decisions about their lives.
“Girls who complete secondary education also have the opportunity to mature and explore their potential before making life-changing commitments, and are more likely to understand their rights and advocate for themselves in the future,” she said.
Hartini called for greater economic opportunities and skills training for adolescent girls to reduce financial pressures that push families towards child marriage.
She also stressed the need for better coordination among ministries and stakeholders to ensure more effective interventions.
Policies in action
> National Children’s Policy
During the 2024 Universal Periodic Review of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, it was noted that the Malaysian government is developing a National Policy and Plan of Action on Children. This policy will address issues such as child marriage, child exploitation, climate change, child online protection, bullying, mental health and juvenile justice.
> National Strategy Plan in Handling the Causes of Child Marriage (2020 - 2025)
The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry told StarEdu that it will review the existing plan to determine necessary updates for the next strategic plan. According to the ministry, the steering committee will make the final decision on the new plan.
> Amendment of Education Act 1996 (Act 550)
The bill to amend the act, which aims to make education compulsory up to secondary school, is expected to be tabled by the Education Ministry in the next parliamentary session in June.
> Sistem Pengesanan Murid KPM (SiPKPM)
The Education Ministry has developed the SiPKPM student tracking system to monitor the movement of school students, specifically those at risk of dropping out.
The power to succeed
CarissaIf secondary school could give girls a “superpower”, it would be the power of “vision” – the ability to see beyond their current situation and recognise their full potential. Secondary school grants girls the capacity to dream big, set ambitious goals, and understand that the world is full of opportunities. Through education, girls can develop critical thinking skills and gain the knowledge needed to challenge traditional gender roles and pursue careers they might never have imagined. This superpower gives them the foresight to plan for the future and shows that no dream is too big to achieve. It empowers them to overcome obstacles, break free from societal limitations, and create a future defined by their own choices and aspirations.
– Carissa De-Ern Stuart, 17
FionaIf students could have a superpower that allows them to shape their own destinies through schooling, it would be empowerment. This is precisely what secondary education does for young girls in Malaysia – it equips them with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate life’s challenges and seize opportunities. Education is the key to unlocking a girl’s potential. It provides them with the tools to advocate for their rights, understand their worth, and aspire to leadership roles. On a personal note, my mother didn’t have the chance to finish high school, but her unwavering support and encouragement enabled me to continue my education. She instilled in me the importance of learning and always pushed me to strive for more. Her sacrifices and determination fuelled my own aspirations and gave me the courage to pursue my dreams. Education has been my superpower, and I want every girl in Malaysia to have the same chance to discover theirs.
– Fiona Flonika Joshman, 22
AvinashBeing a powerful and compelling leader would be the ultimate superpower for secondary school girls looking to find their footing in the world. With it, schools can open countless doors for the women of tomorrow. We’ve heard of the Musks, Zuckerbergs and Buffetts, but what about the Oprahs, Sandbergs and Zeti Azizs? More people – including girls – need to step up as trailblazers. Being a team anchor with excellent technical and communication skills strengthens female visionaries, giving them the confidence to succeed in any field. With opportunities to lead within their schools, girls can learn to make their reality negotiable. The adolescent years are especially important, as this is when they discover their identity and voice. It’s the responsibility of secondary schools to mould girls to break the mould. We teach girls to read and write, but they should also lead and guide.
– Avinash Zhi Yong Suriar, 15
All the students featured here are participants of the BRATs Young Journalist Programme run by The Star’s Newspaper in-Education (Star-NiE) team. For updates on the BRATs programme, go to facebook.com/niebrats.
