DROPOUT students are showing a declining trend, from 19 pupils in 2022 to only four pupils in 2024.
This is a result of initiatives taken by the Ministry of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development to address the issue.
Education, Innovation, and Talent Development Deputy Minister, Datuk Francis Harden Hollis, stated that regular engagement with parents and communities through school outreach programmes, such as Amalan Sekolah Penyayang, is among the key initiatives tackling the problem.
“Both the Sarawak State Education Department (JPNS) and the ministry are working with local authorities and community leaders to identify and reach these students and provide necessary interventions for them,” he said.
He stated this during the question-and-answer session at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting on Thursday.
He was responding to Wilfred Yap Yau Sin (GPS-Kota Sentosa) regarding initiatives taken to address teacher shortages and student dropouts.
As for the issue of teacher shortages and poor school facilities, Francis said a dedicated committee is monitoring teacher vacancies to ensure timely replacements for any immediate needs.
“In 2024, my ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education Malaysia (MOE) and the Sarawak State Education Department (JPNS), carried out a special recruitment exercise under the Contract of Service Scheme,” he said.
Francis added that the scheme is aimed at hiring both education and non-education graduates as part of ongoing efforts to address teacher shortages in Sarawak.
“Efforts are also being made to improve school facilities under the upgrading and rebuilding programme for dilapidated schools across Sarawak.
“This is to ensure that teachers are well-equipped to meet the needs of all students, including those in rural areas,” he said.
