THE proposed standardisation of school uniforms for the 2027 academic year will take into account parents’ financial capacity, alongside students’ needs and the readiness of schools and suppliers.
Giving this assurance, the Education Ministry said it was committed to ensuring that the implementation would be well-organised and practical, without imposing an additional financial burden on parents.
“Engagement sessions with stakeholders are ongoing to gather views and feedback on the proposal,” it told The Star on Nov 6.
It added that the standardisation would be implemented gradually, with a transition period for parents and guardians to prepare.
“This would allow students to continue wearing their existing uniforms during the transition period, without requiring families to replace them immediately.
“Details of the policy, transition period and implementation date would be announced in advance through the ministry’s official channels once the engagement and review process had concluded,” it said.
On Jan 2 this year, Education Ministry director-general Datuk Dr Mohd Azam Ahmad said the ministry was planning to standardise school uniforms nationwide to reduce colour variations between schools.
He said the wide variety of uniforms could inadvertently create a sense of difference and competition among students instead of fostering unity.
He added that the proposal was under review, with a final decision to be made after examining all aspects of its implementation for the 2027 academic year. — By JAAYNE JEEVITA
