PUTRAJAYA: The Education Ministry will launch a pilot project for multi-storey schools in Putrajaya, Penang, and Kuala Lumpur this year to address overcrowding, particularly in densely populated areas.
In a Thursday (March 20) statement, the ministry said the initiative was discussed during a high-level management meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
"The multi-storey school initiative, in collaboration with corporate strategic partners, aims to alleviate overcrowding. This approach reduces costs while ensuring the best infrastructure and access to education.
"The pilot project will be introduced in Putrajaya, Penang, and Kuala Lumpur this year," the statement read.
The MOE also announced plans to introduce Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes in fully residential schools, with five such institutions selected for the initiative.
"TVET graduates have an employability rate of over 99%. The current focus is on upskilling to ensure they receive wages on par with their skills," it said.
"All students must have a strong command of Bahasa Malaysia, while English proficiency is equally important. The primary focus is on enhancing teacher competency and promoting the use of both languages at all levels," the statement added.
The ministry also noted that STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) enrollment must be expanded across all types of schools. The current enrollment in fully residential schools is at approximately 98%.
"Efforts to increase STEM enrollment in daily schools and Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama will also be intensified," the statement said.
Additionally, the Prime Minister has urged the ministry to prioritise teacher training, recognising educators as key agents of change capable of transforming the education ecosystem. – Bernama
