Intake of English teachers from India postponed - Mahdzir Khalid

A comprehensive assessment must first be carried out before any decision is made to bring in foreign English language teachers, said Education Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid.

As such, he said, the government's plans to bring in trained English Language teachers from India had been put on hold.

He said it not only involved teachers from India, but also trained teachers from other countries, including Cambridge in England.

"We are putting the programme on hold for now. I will comment on this next year, " he told reporters after the prize-presentation ceremony of the SME Bank Y-BIZ Challenge 2015 Young Entrepreneurs' Innovations Programme here on Thursday.

The intake of qualified English Language teachers from India will be carried out under the School Improvement Specialist Coaches (SISC+) programme where the teachers would be sent to rural schools throughout the country, including hot-spot schools, to help local English Language teachers to improve their competency under the Upholding the Malay Language and Strengthening Command of English (MBMMBI) policy.

READ: How much do you value your English proficiency?

READ: English language proficiency important in Science, Mathematics - Dr Mahathir

READ: Compulsory pass in English a concern for rural students - Ismail Sabri

Sekolah Menengah St. Michael, Penampang, came out tops through its product "Go Green Pot", and took home RM15,000, a trophy, a challenge cup and certificate, as well as flight tickets worth RM25,000 for them to participate in overseas competitions.

The second place was won by Sekolah Menengah Sains Tuanku Syed Putra, Perlis, with its "Hydro Fertilizer", winning the team a cash prize of RM15,000, a trophy and certificate.

The third prize was won by Madrasah Idrisiah, Kuala Kangsar, with its "E-Pro Buster", winning a cash prize of RM10,000, a trophy and certificate.