Schools with few pupils need to make early plans - Chong

The management of schools with few pupils, especially the Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina (SJKC), need to make early plans for the future of the schools, said Deputy Education Minister Datuk Chong Sin Woon.

Recognising the stance of the Chinese community, who do not want the number of SJKCs to be reduced, Chong said the schools' management should hold early discussions and apply for their relocation.

"Relocation is not easy, take Kedah as an example; we have SJKC with no pupils, so if we want it to be relocated to Selangor or Johor, it needs approval from the respective state education departments.

"This will take time, do not wait until the school has run out pupils to apply (for relocation). It is best to plan and discuss the matter early," he told reporters after visiting SJKC Ngai Seng and SJKC Sungai Rotan in Trong, near here, today.

However, Chong said the ministry would not stop any school from operating even if there was only one pupil left, because it stood firm on the policy of giving education access to all.

"I understand the view of the Chinese who want the number of SJKCs to be maintained, but they also need to see whether it is good for the students and teachers or not.

"If the school has only one pupil, it will not only involve a high operating cost but also creates a non-conducive environment for the pupil because he or she cannot learn in a proper environment like having friends, doing sports, and competing with others," he said.

Therefore, Chong said, the ministry would hold discussions with the relevant parties to come out with the best solution.

Currently, there are 1,298 SJKCs nationwide. - BERNAMA