The Ministry of Education (MOE) is aiming to raise Malaysia’s universal secondary school enrolment rate to above 95 per cent following the implementation of the Education (Amendment) Act 2025, which is expected to come into force soon.
Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh said the ministry’s target builds on the success of the compulsory primary education policy introduced 23 years ago.
According to Wong, primary school enrolment has increased from approximately 92 per cent in 2003 to more than 99 per cent in 2026, demonstrating the effectiveness of compulsory education measures.
“Currently, we have achieved a universal enrolment rate of 94 per cent at the secondary school level. Once the amendments come into force, we hope to surpass the 95 per cent target and continue increasing the rate in the years ahead,” he said at the MOE 2025 Excellent Service Award and Medal Presentation Ceremony today.
Last July, the Dewan Rakyat passed the Education (Amendment) Bill 2025, expanding compulsory education to include secondary schooling. The amendment requires all Malaysian children to remain enrolled in school until the completion of their secondary education.
Wong stressed that the law is not intended to punish parents or students but to promote awareness of the importance of completing Form Five.
He added that the ministry remains committed to improving access to education through the expansion of the Comprehensive Special Model School 9 (K9) and Comprehensive Special Model School 11 (K11) programmes.
Currently, Malaysia has 26 K9 schools and nine K11 schools nationwide. The ministry plans to establish seven additional K11 schools next year, increasing the total to 16.
The new schools are expected to be located in Perak, Terengganu, Kelantan, Pahang and Sabah.
“We have identified the schools and are making the necessary preparations. Further details will be announced once the process is finalised,” Wong said.
