GUA MUSANG, April 22 — The dropout rate among school children in rural areas, especially the Orang Asli community, has been reduced following the construction of Comprehensive Special Model Schools for Year 9 (K9) and Year 11 (K11).
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said it was proven by SK Sri Permai's (K9) track record, which achieved a 100 per cent attendance rate due to the support of parents and teachers.
“The K9 and K11 schools are a commitment of the Education Ministry that focuses on having primary and secondary schools within one building and area.
“The ministry will continue to expand K9 and K11 schools nationwide involving Orang Asli and indigenous children to prevent them from missing out on education,” she said.
Fadhlina was speaking to the press after visiting SK Sri Permai during the Madani Education Tour at schools with Orang Asli children today.
Commenting on the school's condition, where the floor of several classrooms is affected by underground water flow, she said the matter would be addressed, and the school would also have a new site.
The minister added that the Public Works Department has conducted a site assessment, and the findings have been brought to the ministry.
“SK Sri Permai is no longer categorised as a low-enrolment school, and I hope this construction will benefit the Orang Asli children in the surrounding areas,” she said.
Meanwhile, Bernama checks found that most teachers at the school drive four-wheel-drive vehicles and motorcycles because they have to pass through rough, muddy, pothole-ridden, and gravel-strewn routes spanning 80 kilometres.
— Bernama
