KUCHING: The Education Ministry should make it compulsory for students to wear school uniforms to school starting from the next school session.
Association of the Boards of Management of Aided Chinese Primary Schools in Kuching, Samarahan and Serian president Datuk Jonathan Chai said school uniforms play a key role in promoting pride, self-confidence, and a feeling of belonging on students who the uniforms.
He believed that these factors could contribute to students’ wellbeing, removing the additional pressures of deciding what to wear and the stress of meeting the expectations of their peers.
“When the students wear school uniforms, they don’t need to buy multiple (suitable) attires or get ready a separate set of clothes for school. Besides, parents may tend to spend less money when their kids wear uniforms.
“There is less pressure too to buy expensive branded clothing and school uniforms might be more affordable,” he said when contacted today.
On the contrary, Chai said, some may argue that requiring parents to buy the standardised school uniforms could be placing a hardship or financial burden on some families.
“But, still, personally, I am all in favour of making it compulsory for students to wear uniforms in school, especially at primary level,” he added.
Yesterday, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the ministry is seeking feedback from various parties in setting school uniform guidelines for the next school session.
She said they took an open approach with regard to the issue, and so far, still gave flexibility to students to come to school without wearing uniforms.
“We are still listening to views, inputs and suggestions from all stakeholders, including parents, on the uniform issue. So far, we have not made any decision yet.
“For now, continue with what you are wearing. The important thing is to go to school dressed. That’s what’s important,” she said.
On May 3, last year, the ministry allowed students, teachers and members of the implementation group in all its educational institutions to wear sports attire due to the hot weather. The special permission was intended to avoid health issues.
