GERIK: Efforts to close the education gap in remote areas entered a new phase with the country’s first floating school on Tasik Banding – an innovative approach aimed at expanding access to education for Orang Asli children.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the initiative, introduced under the ministry’s Special Programme (ProKhas), not only provides an alternative learning space but also reflects the ministry’s commitment to exploring more inclusive, flexible and community-centred education models.
She said the floating school was designed as a closer, community-based intervention to address long-standing challenges, especially attracting Orang Asli children to school and understanding the barriers that keep them from formal education.
“Thank God, the response has been very positive so far. We are still working to bring more children from the interior to join. When they see their friends attending school, we hope their interest will grow.
“This is where our commitment begins to ensure no child is left behind.
“The floating-school approach is also about building trust with the community. We certainly have more significant plans ahead,” she said after visiting the Tasik Banding Floating School, Bernama reported.
Fadhlina said the school customises the teaching and learning process for students of different ages and abilities, with teachers applying differentiated pedagogical approaches to ensure effective learning.
“Our teachers are trained in pedagogy and know how to manage mixed-level classrooms through differentiated instruction.
“We first group students into two levels, then teachers conduct assessments to plan their educational progress step by step,” she explained.
She added that the floating school is not a temporary measure, as the ministry will continue refining the model to ensure it becomes a sustainable long-term solution that secures the educational future of Orang Asli children.
One of the teachers, Muhammad Syauqi Zainal Abidin, said the school currently has 47 students, aged six to 16, since its launch on Oct 13.
He said the programme involves three villages, namely Kampung Charuk Bus, Kampung Tebang and Kampung Chiong.
Before the floating school, Orang Asli students had to take a 20-minute boat ride followed by a land journey to SMK RPS Banun, incurring extra cost and forcing many to stay in hostels far from their families.
