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PETALING JAYA: Urgent action is needed to safeguard the future of Indian education, urged Tamil Schools Development Foundation president Datuk T Murugiah.
He expressed concern over the declining enrolment in Tamil vernacular schools (SJKT) and warned that if the issue is not addressed promptly, the Tamil education system and the usage of the Tamil language will weaken.
“If this trend continues, it is not impossible for Tamil schools to shut down on their own in the future.
“This would be a significant loss for the Indian community, as Tamil schools are not just centres for academic learning but also institutions that preserve our language, culture, and identity.
“Immediate steps must be taken by both the Indian community and the government to address this issue,” he said in a statement on Wednesday (Feb 19).
Murugiah added that the Indian community plays a vital role in preserving Tamil schools through parental awareness, community involvement, and incentive programmes.
“Parents must recognise the importance of enrolling their children in Tamil schools.
“Many Tamil schools today have demonstrated excellence in academics and extracurricular activities, yet there are still negative perceptions that need to be corrected.
“Community leaders, NGOs, and Indian political parties must take a more active role in conducting awareness campaigns and support programmes for parents.
“Incentives such as scholarships, book assistance, and extra classes can be provided to attract more students to Tamil schools,” he said.
Murugiah also highlighted that a major factor behind the declining student population in Tamil schools is the low birth rate among the Indian community.
“I urge every Indian family to have at least six children to ensure the continuity of future generations and strengthen the Indian community’s presence in Malaysia,” he said.
Murugiah, who previously served as a deputy minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, stressed that grants, funds, and financial assistance from the government would further support Tamil schools and large families.
“The government must allocate special funds to upgrade Tamil school facilities, making them more attractive to parents and on par with national schools.
“More funding is needed to enhance the quality of education in Tamil schools, including improving teacher salaries, school development, and access to modern learning technology.
“The Education Ministry should introduce policies that provide more advantages to Tamil schools, including expanding access to rural areas.
“Tamil school curricula should be more flexible, emphasising both Malay and English, in addition to Tamil, to ensure students remain competitive in the mainstream education system.
“If the Indian community is encouraged to have more children, the government should provide incentives such as financial aid, free education, and better childcare facilities,” he said.
Murugiah urged all parties, especially the Indian community itself, to take immediate action to ensure Tamil schools remain relevant and the preferred choice for parents.
“Education is the foundation of community development, and we cannot allow Tamil schools to lose their place in the national education system.
“The growth of the Indian population is crucial for our future.
“Therefore, we must encourage more young couples to marry early and build strong, large families.
“If we fail to act now, we risk losing a future generation that can carry forward our language and cultural heritage in the country,” he said.
