KUCHING: The Sarawak Bumiputera Teachers Union (KGBS) has expressed strong support for the bill aimed at amending the Education Act 1996 to make education compulsory up to the secondary school level. The bill is expected to be tabled in February 2025.
KGBS president Zulkefli Sebli stated that the proposed legislation is a step in the right direction to raise awareness among parents about the importance of formal education for their children.
“We are confident that once this bill is passed, parents will become more proactive in ensuring their children’s consistent attendance at school, especially during the crucial transition to secondary education.”
Zulkefli highlighted concerns about absenteeism, which has become more prevalent in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic. He noted that truancy often begins during primary school and continues into secondary school, causing long-term challenges.
“This bill, when enforced, will significantly reduce absenteeism and strengthen our education system. While the root causes of truancy differ between urban and rural areas, the enforcement of this law will create a unified framework to address these issues.”
He also emphasised the need for parents to play an active role in their children’s education. “Parental support and firmness are key to ensuring children complete their education. Primary schools also have a crucial role in educating Year 6 students about the importance of continuing their education into secondary school.”
He assured that the government is attentive to the needs of less fortunate families, and the proposed bill will not burden them. Instead, it is designed to ensure every child has access to education up to the secondary level.
Zulkefli concluded by calling for collective efforts from parents, schools, and the government to instill the value of education and ensure that children complete their studies to the highest level possible.
