Mps Back Plan To Make Form 5 Education Compulsory

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 Most MPs, however, raise concerns about the proposed RM5,000 fine and/or six-month jail term for parents who fail to comply with the new law.
Education minister Fadhlina Sidek said students who drop out early face a higher risk of unemployment, poverty, child marriage, and petty crime. (Bernama pic)KUALA LUMPUR: The Dewan Rakyat heard an extensive debate from 33 MPs on an amendment to the law that will make it mandatory for all students to study up to Form 5, rather than stopping at primary school
Most of the MPs raised concerns about the proposed RM5,000 fine and/or six months’ jail term for parents who failed to comply with the new law.
Opposition members, while supporting the amendment, called for a delay in the enforcement of these penalties, and urged the government to prioritise educating parents instead.
Tabling the bill to amend the Education Act, education minister Fadhlina Sidek said the proposed law was necessary because too many students were dropping out after primary school.
She noted that while enrolment for primary education reached 99.39% in 2024, upper secondary enrolment stood at just 92.6% – below the UN’s minimum target of 95%.
Fadhlina said students who drop out early face a higher risk of unemployment, poverty, child marriage, and petty crime.
She said enforcement of the new law would be supported by targeted aid programmes, including school meal subsidies, transport assistance, and expanded access to vocational and STEM education.
During the debate, Dr Taufiq Johari (PH-Sungai Petani) described the bill as a “moral declaration” affirming every child’s right to complete their education.
Taufiq also linked youth apathy to lack of education, recalling a viral interview where many young people were unable to answer basic questions about democracy.
He called for punitive measures to be paused and for more targeted support, such as school transport, food aid, and mental health services.
Rodiyah Sapiee (GPS-Batang Sadong) supported the bill, calling it a “structured way” to break the cycle of school dropouts, early marriage, and child labour.
Radzi Jidin (PN-Putrajaya) said the bill was long overdue and built on reforms initiated during his tenure as education minister. He called for clarity on exemptions for private religious schools and homeschoolers.
“There are parents who send their children to unregistered institutions like tahfiz schools or practise homeschooling. Will they be automatically exempt, or must they apply?” he asked.
Syerleena Abdul Rashid (PH-Bukit Bendera) praised the bill as a bold intervention against child marriage, poverty, and lost potential. She said ending school at age 12 left too many girls vulnerable. - FMT

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