Black or white school shoes? Both allowed from next year, says Education Ministry

A family shopping for black school shoes.

PETALING JAYA: School students can use either black or white shoes when schools reopen next year, says the Education Ministry.

In a circular dated Dec 7, Education director-general Datuk Dr Habibah Abdul Rahim said this directive comes into effect immediately.

She said black shoes will have to be paired with black socks and white shoes with white socks.

The shoes, she added, need to be made of canvas or other breathable synthetic materials such as nylon and polyester, while taking into consideration comfort, safety and health.

“The Education Ministry is always concerned about parents wishing to provide for their children before the new school session starts.

"To make it easier for parents to meet these needs, a meeting decided that from 2021, all students are allowed to choose whether to wear black or white shoes and socks according to the colour of the shoes, ” she added.

Habibah also cancelled an earlier circular dated Nov 20,2018 which said all students must use black shoes for school from 2021 onwards.

In July 2018, former Education minister Dr Maszlee Malik announced the black shoe ruling during a Sinar Harian forum on education.

He said that all schools were allowed a one-year grace period to allow students to adapt and get used to the new ruling.

However, Dr Maszlee’s announcement received backlash from several parties, with many saying it was a “hasty” decision.