N.STRAITS TIMES - Vast Improvements in Access to Education - education access improvements and targets

Aug 13, 2026

The Malaysian Education Ministry reports broad progress in access to education across age groups and schooling stages, from early childhood enrolment to vocational and technical pathways. Preschool uptake has risen, with thousands of children identified under targeted initiatives, though full universal enrolment is not yet achieved. The report highlights improved SPM outcomes, narrower urban-rural and gender performance gaps, stronger TVET employability, and continued efforts to reduce dropouts through support programs, screening, and inclusive education models.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

Education access improvements

Preschool and early intervention initiatives

Secondary and SPM outcomes

TVET progress and employability

Dropout prevention and inclusive education

SEKTOR DOKUMENTASI PENDIDIKANBPPDP,Kementerian Pendidikan MalaysiaAras SB-4,Blok E8,Kompleks E,Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan62604 Putrajaya.Tel:03-88846425Faks:03-88846284 TARIKH:21 NOVEMBER 2024(KHAMIS) N.STRAITS TIMES Vast improvementsin access toeducation "By addressing developmentaldelays early,we aim to providethese children with the best pos-sible start in their education jour-ney,"he said. In terms of early childhood ed-ucation,preschool enrolment hasincreased to 90.67 per cent for chil-dren aged 5 and 77.95 per cent forthose aged 4,helped by the ex-pansion of preschool classes andtuition assstance. MOHAMAD AL ASKUALA LUMPURalas.yunos@nst.com.my ST HE Education Ministry hasreported improvements inaccess to education,frompreschool to vocationaltraining,over the past year. To date,3,395 children,or 1.57per cent of 215,920 preschool stu-dents have been identified underthis initiative. "However,enrolment has yet toreach 100 per cent as preschooleducation is not mandatory inMalaysia,"Azman said. Pivoting to the quality of educa-tion,Azman noted that 93.5per centof students qualified for the SijilPelajaran Malaysia 〔SPM〕 in 2023,marking a proud achievement forthe system. As the Malaysia Education De-velopment Blueprint 2013-2025 ap-proaches its conclusion,director-generalAzman Adnan said the min-istry has made significant progress,though challenges remained. The director-general furtherhighlighted progress in technicaland vocational education and train-ing[TVET]enrolment,which nowstands at 10.5 per cent,with grad-uate employability at vocationalcolleges reaching 99.38per cent. "The performance gap for SPMin2023 between urban and rural ar-eas has narrowed by 29.51 per centsince 2012,"he said. He said upper secondary schoolenrolment has increased to 91.65per cent from 89.9 per cent in 2022. Azman attributed this to in-creased industry partnerships andthe promotion of the National DualTraining System programmes,buthe acknowledged that the 2024 However,Azman highlighted eco-nomic constraints as a key factorfor those who leave school early,explaining that families with limitedmeans often cannot afford educa-tional costs,including fees,booksand other essentials. Additionally,the SPM perfor-mance gap by gender has de-creased by 48.33 per cent since2016,while the gap by socio-eco-nomic status has reduced by 55.8per cent since 2021. TVET enrolment target of 11 percent has yet to be met. Azman also noted the success ofthe Literacy and Numeracy Pro-gramme(PLaNJ,which has beenexpanded to all primary schools. He added that some studentsdrop out of school to support theirfamilies,particularly in largerhouseholds. He emphasised the ministry'scommitment in ensuring equitableaccess to education for all addingthat the ministry is focused on re-ducing dropout rates,particularlyamong the indigenous communi-ties. It was reported in September that122,062 pupils had been identified "In rural and remote areas,thereare insufficient secondary schools,which makes it difficult for studentsto access upper secondary educa-tion,"he noted in an interview re-cently. Azman added that the SekolahBimbingan Jalinan Kasih(SBJK)model has also been extended toSekolah Kebangsaan Sembulan inKota Kinabalu to provide access toformal education for marginalisedand street children. Azman attributed the improvedupper secondary enrolment to sev-eral support initiatives,includingguidance programmes and incen-tives backed by Parent-Teacher As-sociations,companies and privatedonors. The ministry also continues toprioritise inclusive education withthe launch of the DevelopmentalTracking and Intervention Pro-gramme for Preschool Students[ProsPIM]. TARIKH:21 NOVEMBER 2024 (KHAMIS) for PLaN through early screeningconducted by teachers in July,whohad yet to master reading,writingand arithmetic(3M). "PLaN has shown significantprogress,reducing the number oflow-performing schools by 68.2 percent and medium-performin

FAQs

What improvements in access to education were reported for preschool and early childhood?

Preschool enrolment increased for children aged 5 and 4, supported by expanded preschool classes and tuition assistance. Thousands of children have been identified under an initiative, but enrolment has not yet reached 100% because preschool education is not mandatory.

How has the report described changes in SPM performance and related gaps?

The ministry reported a high SPM qualification rate in 2023 and noted that the urban-rural performance gap narrowed by 29.51% since 2012. It also states that gender and socioeconomic status gaps have reduced compared with earlier years.

What progress was mentioned regarding TVET and vocational education outcomes?

Technical and vocational education and training enrolment stands at 10.5%. Graduate employability at vocational colleges is reported at 99.38%, alongside plans to elevate quality through new high-impact programmes and industry partnerships.

Which factors and strategies are highlighted for preventing school dropouts?

Economic constraints, lack of awareness, family issues, transport problems, and health or mental health challenges are cited as reasons for leaving school early. Prevention efforts include school aid, guidance and incentive programmes, tracking systems for school-age children, and inclusive models for marginalised groups.

Aug 13, 2026

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