Malay pupils’ enrolment in Chinese vernacular schools rises to over 41,000, Parliament told

1 Jul 2026 • 10:37 AM MYT
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Image from: Malay pupils’ enrolment in Chinese vernacular schools rises to over 41,000, Parliament told

Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said Malay enrolment in Tamil national-type schools (SJKT) also showed gradual growth, although the numbers remained comparatively small.

PETALING JAYA: The number of Malay pupils enrolled in Chinese national-type schools (SJKC) has increased to 41,133, accounting for 9.01% of total SJKC enrolment as of May 31 this year, according to the Education Ministry.

In a written parliamentary reply dated June 30, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the figure reflects a steady upward trend over the past five years.

She said there were 34,870 Malay pupils enrolled in SJKCs in 2022, representing 6.84% of total enrolment.

The number rose to 35,129 pupils (6.99%) in 2023, followed by 39,373 pupils (8.03%) in 2024.

It increased further to 40,035 pupils, or 8.59% of total enrolment, last year before reaching 41,133 pupils, or 9.01%, as of May 31 this year.

Fadhlina said Malay enrolment in Tamil national-type schools (SJKT) also showed gradual growth, although the numbers remained comparatively small.

She said 227 Malay pupils, or 0.26% of total SJKT enrolment, were recorded in 2022.

The figure increased to 241 pupils (0.28%) in 2023, followed by 288 pupils (0.35%) in 2024 and 295 pupils (0.37%) last year.

As of May 31 this year, 320 Malay pupils, representing 0.41% of total SJKT enrolment, were attending Tamil national-type schools.

“The national education system gives parents the opportunity to choose the type of school that suits their children’s educational needs and aspirations,” she said.

The reply was in response to Zakri Hassan (PN-Kangar), who requested the number and percentage of Malay pupils enrolled in SJKC and SJKT over the past five years.

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