KUCHING: Primary education in Malaysia is compulsory and free, according to Article 28 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which Malaysia is signatory to.
There have been calls for secondary education to be compulsory and free, too.
Experts and educationists are urging the government to amend Section 29A of the Education Act 1996 to make secondary education until form five compulsory and free.
Several experts think this will reduce dropout rates and curb child marriages and child labour.
Here are some public views on the issue.
PENIEL JESHURUN, 31, Chief Technical Officer
I agree secondary education should be compulsory and free, too. This will increase the education level in Malaysia and reduce child marriages and child labour. If education is compulsory and free, parents won’t have the burden of school fees added to their daily expenses.
RAVINA, 30, Doctor
Secondary education should be made compulsory and accessible to all children, especially those in rural areas. This will not only ensure children are equipped with basic to intermediate education but also help curb other socio-economic issues. School dropout rates can be reduced as children will have to complete their secondary education before they can go out into the world.
BIRSHA TEFULLY, 15, Student
Yes, I support free secondary education. It will definitely reduce dropout rates, child marriages and child labour.
NICOLE FRANKIE, 23, Student
Yes, secondary education should be compulsory and free. Whether it will reduce child marriages and labour depends on the upbringing of the children and the teaching of their parents. The government should implement stronger and stricter laws against child marriages and child labour.
ASHLEY TAN, 22, Student
Yes, to compulsory and free secondary education. However, the schools can only do so much to educate the children. We have to teach our children to value education from a young age and be good role models. As for child marriages and child labour, they go back a long way in history as they are cultural.
STEPHEN SUNNY, 26, Production crew member
I agree that formal schooling should be made compulsory up to Form 5 as many dropouts have gotten themselves into unwanted situations. An SPM certificate is also the minimum requirement at most workplaces. I agree that compulsory and free secondary education will reduce dropout rates and curb child marriages and child labour.
