KUALA LUMPUR: A preliminary approval by the Cabinet has been received to make primary and secondary education compulsory, says Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek.
She said that this would be an extension of the compulsory primary education policy, which has been in effect since 2003, involving significant amendments to the Education Act 1996 (Act 550).
"A draft of the Education (Amendment) Bill concerning the extension from primary to secondary education has been prepared by the Education Ministry and is currently under review by the Attorney General's Chambers (AGC)," she said in a parliamentary written answer to Nurul Amin Hamid (PN- Padang Terap) on Tuesday (Dec 3).
Nurul Amin asked the ministry to state the ministry’s stance on recommendations by experts to make 12-year education compulsory to address student dropout rates.
"This proposed extension of compulsory education is a strategic move to ensure that all children are given the opportunity to achieve their full potential through a well-structured education system," Fadhlina said.
She added that the government is committed to providing education that aligns with the developmental needs of students at each educational stage, from primary through to secondary.
In March last year, the ministry submitted a draft proposal to the AGC to make secondary school education compulsory.
The present Education Policy states that under the Education Act 1996, education is only compulsory up to Year Six.
It was reported that engagement sessions were also held as part of the process of formulating the new blueprint which will replace the current Malaysia Education Blueprint 2012-2025.
