PETALING JAYA: Lately, there has been a rise in image and disciplinary issues amongst pupils, following the relaxation of school attires, granted since the Covid-19 pandemic.
National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) secretary-general Fouzi Singon said the matter was of utmost importance and has been brought up by school administrations.
Fouzi said the Education Minister has been urged to retract the relaxation out of concern that the move may affect a student's image.
"More teachers and pupils are leaving behind the official dress code, resulting in image and disciplinary issues.
"It would be wise for schools to go back to the uniform wear etiquette because the situation is now back to normal, and there is no need for them to be wearing sports attire to school," he told news portal Majoriti.
He added that most parents are anxiously waiting for the ruling on the status of school uniforms for the school session of 2024.
Fouzi also said the pending matter is causing parents to be in limbo as they are undecided on what kind of clothes they should buy for their children for school.
"They are confused as to whether or not they should buy a uniform as they don't want the clothes to be unused, which would be a waste," he said.
The use of school uniforms in Malaysia has been enforced since 1970 to promote a sense of equality among students.
However, lately, many parents have chosen to let their child don sportswear to school instead as it is more convenient, easier to manage and more suitable for the hot and humid weather of the country.
