Year One pupils at SK Taman Pelangi. - Photo: Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR: Nearly five million students in 11 Group B states have returned to school for the new 2025/2026 academic year on Monday (Feb 17).

On Sunday (Feb 16), 632,268 students in Kedah, Terengganu and Kelantan (Group A) commenced the new school term.

ALSO READ: 2025/26 school session starts in Kedah, Terengganu and Kelantan

In PERAK, Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh reported that the academic year had started for 329,344 students from 1,105 schools, which includes 141,436 secondary school students and 187,908 primary school pupils.

Of the total, 30,532 are Year One pupils, while 32,612 students are in Form One.

"18,173 preschool children in 573 preschools across the state also began the school session," he said during his visit to SJKC Chung Tack in Kampung Simee.

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In JOHOR, state education and information committee chairman Aznan Tamin announced that 585,220 students from 909 primary and 285 secondary schools have started the new school term.

Parents sending their kids to school in the wee hours of the morning. - Photo: Bernama

He noted that the first day of school proceeded smoothly, with 49,315 teachers participating in this session.

In MELAKA, state Education director Mahfudzah Mohamed Noor revealed that 154,485 students from 318 schools have returned for the new academic year, which includes 87,266 primary school pupils and 66,547 secondary school students.

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In SABAH, Education Department deputy director-general for the school operations sector, Zainal Abas, reported that the 2025/2026 school session involves 526,370 students and 43,763 teachers across 1,298 schools.

"As in previous years, no lessons are conducted during the first week. This week is dedicated to orientation and adjustment, especially for new students," he explained.

PENANG saw 235,305 students return to 396 schools, including 20,192 Year One pupils and 16,814 Form One students.

State Education director Wan Sajiri Wan Hassan reported that the state hosts 100,681 secondary school students, 126,608 primary school pupils, and 8,016 preschoolers.

In SARAWAK, students in five schools could not commence the academic year due to flooding and damaged school facilities.

State Education director Omar Mahli stated that the affected schools must conduct home learning activities for the students. He added that once the floodwaters recede, clean-up activities will be carried out to ready the schools for students.

Education DG Azman Adnan speaking to pupils at SK Taman Seri Pagi. - Photo: Bernama

Overall, 430,796 students in the state returned to school.

In NEGRI SEMBILAN, Education director Khalidah Omar said that 45,116 students, including 7,582 preschoolers, have started the new academic year.

In PAHANG, deputy Education director for the learning sector Ahmad Zamri Md Isa said 244,799 pupils and students returned to school for the 2025/2026 session.

PERLIS Education director Rose Aza Che Ariffin noted that 46,944 pupils and students began the school session in 30 secondary schools and 74 primary schools. – Bernama