MPs raised concerns over dilapidated SJK(T) buildings and teacher shortages. The Ministry of Education detailed plans for new school construction and upgrades.
Commitment to Tamil Education Sustainability
Tuan Sivakumar a/l Varatharaju Naidu, Batu Gajah — The MP for Batu Gajah inquired about the Ministry of Education's comprehensive policy to ensure the sustainability of Tamil education in Malaysia. This included long-term plans for infrastructure improvement, curriculum strengthening, and solidifying the position of vernacular schools within the constitutional framework and national education aspirations.
Tuan Wong Kah Woh, Deputy Education Minister — The Deputy Minister affirmed the Ministry of Education's commitment to the sustainability of multi-stream education, including SJK(T). This commitment aligns with the Federal Constitution, the Education Act 1996, and the Malaysia Education Blueprint. The approach is based on inclusivity, equity, and quality, ensuring equal educational opportunities for all students. He added that SJK(T) status is guaranteed under the Education Act 1996, Section 28(1), and the National Education Policy.
Kementerian Pendidikan sentiasa komited untuk menjamin kelestarian pendidikan pelbagai aliran termasuk pendidikan Tamil di Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Tamil (SJKT) selaras dengan Perlembagaan Persekutuan, Akta Pendidikan 1996 dan juga aspirasi Pelan Pembangunan Pendidikan Malaysia.
New School Construction and Infrastructure Upgrades
Tuan Sivakumar a/l Varatharaju Naidu, Batu Gajah — The MP congratulated the Ministry on the announcement of SJK(T) Ladang Jeram's construction in Budget 2026. He sought details on the project's commencement, facilities, plans for upgrading other dilapidated SJK(T), and potential relocation processes for schools with low student enrollment.
Tuan Wong Kah Woh, Deputy Education Minister — The Deputy Minister confirmed that SJK(T) Ladang Jeram was announced by the Prime Minister in the 2026 Budget. The Ministry is currently preparing for initial works. The new school will be located on approximately three acres of federal land in Mukim Beserah, Kuantan, Pahang. It will feature six classrooms and other standard facilities, with an allocated ceiling of RM22 million. He also mentioned the approval for rebuilding SJK(T) Gopeng in Perak, which involves demolishing three dilapidated blocks and constructing a new block with six classrooms, administrative offices, and a sports storage.
Tuan Ganabatirau a/l Veraman, Klang — The MP for Klang expressed gratitude for the SJK(T) Ladang Jeram project but highlighted that other school constructions, such as SJK(T) Sungai Bakap and SJK(T) Serendah, remain stalled. He emphasized that many Tamil schools nationwide are still in dilapidated conditions requiring immediate attention.
Tuan Tan Kar Hing, Gopeng — The MP for Gopeng interjected to inquire about the latest developments regarding SJK(T) Gopeng. He noted that the school's building suffered termite damage and was classified as unsafe.
Tuan Ramkarpal Singh a/l Karpal Singh, Bukit Gelugor — The MP for Bukit Gelugor questioned the status of unfinished Tamil school constructions, including SJK(T) Sungai Bakap, Ladang Jeram, and Ladang Ketumbar in Penang, Pahang, and Kedah, respectively. He also asked if the 2026 Budget allocation for Tamil schools covered these three projects.
Land Status and Funding Transparency
Tuan Kalam bin Salan, Sabak Bernam — The MP for Sabak Bernam brought attention to SJK(T) Ladang Sabak Bernam, which currently lacks gazetted Ministry of Education land status. He stressed the importance of this issue, noting the school's history of producing many professionals.
Tuan Ganabatirau a/l Veraman, Klang — The MP for Klang advocated for fixed and transparent funding for all national-type schools, including SJK(C) and SJK(T), as well as religious schools. He argued that this approach would prevent schools from competing for funds and enable more effective long-term planning.
Student Enrollment and Special Education Needs
Tuan Haji Jamaludin bin Yahya, Pasir Salak — The MP for Pasir Salak raised concerns about the worrying issue of low student enrollment in SJK(T), particularly in rural and former estate areas. He attributed this to population migration and estate closures, which reduce local populations and affect student registration numbers. He sought information on strategic measures the government is taking to address this without financial burden.
Tuan Cha Kee Chin, Rasah — The MP for Rasah highlighted the disparity in Special Education Integration Program (PPKI) classes across school types in Seremban District. He noted that only 3 out of 19 SJK(T) (16%) have PPKI classes, urging the Ministry to increase their availability.
Teacher Shortages and Curriculum
Tuan Ganabatirau a/l Veraman, Klang — The MP for Klang discussed the critical shortage of teachers for certain subjects in Tamil and Chinese schools. He questioned the seriousness with which this issue is being addressed and raised concerns about the significant cost implications of having two teachers per class.
Tuan Wong Kah Woh, Deputy Education Minister — The Deputy Minister clarified that SJK(T) use Tamil as the medium of instruction to facilitate concept understanding and strengthen mother tongue proficiency, while adhering to the national curriculum. Bahasa Melayu remains a compulsory subject in SJK(T) to ensure students master the national language. Co-curricular activities in SJK(T), such as festival celebrations, language and cultural associations, and heritage-based competitions, are supported to preserve the cultural identity of the Indian community.
Matriculation Opportunities
Tuan Sanisvara Nethaji Rayer a/l Rajaji, Jelutong — The MP for Jelutong commended the Ministry for increasing matriculation opportunities for excellent SPM students across all ethnic groups, including Indian students. He noted the Prime Minister's announcement of an additional 1,500 places.
These discussions underscore the ongoing efforts and challenges in ensuring equitable and quality education for Tamil schools, focusing on infrastructure, funding, and addressing specific educational needs.