Over 8,500 undocumented children enrolled in national schools

More Than 8,500 Enrolled Nationwide

KUALA LUMPUR: As of June 30, a total of 8,575 children without official identification documents had been enrolled in government and government-aided primary and secondary schools across Malaysia.

This figure reflects the government’s continued push for inclusive access to education for all children, regardless of documentation status.

Policy Allows Conditional Admission

Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the enrolments were made possible through Education Ministry Circular No. 1/2009, titled Admission of the Children of Malaysian Citizens Without Documents to School. The circular was issued on March 11, 2009.

“The circular provides flexibility for children without identification documents to be accepted into schools, on the condition that at least one parent is a Malaysian citizen,” she said in a written response to Parliament.

Response to Question by Syed Saddiq

Fadhlina’s statement was in response to a parliamentary query from Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman (Muda–Muar). He had asked for current data on asylum-seeking, refugee, or stateless children enrolled in government schools, instead of alternative learning centres.

No Refugees or Asylum Seekers Accepted

Fadhlina clarified that, during the same period, no asylum seekers or refugees were enrolled in government or government-aided schools.

Mekar Didik Programme Among Key Efforts

She also highlighted a new initiative — the Mekar Didik Programme — developed through collaboration with the Home Ministry and the National Registration Department. The programme is designed to help address the documentation issues faced by children.

Encouraging Birth and Marriage Registration

Fadhlina urged community leaders and elected officials to become more involved in public outreach. She encouraged them to spread awareness through meet-the-people programmes.

These efforts aim to ensure the public registers marriages and children’s births to reduce the number of undocumented individuals in future.

“This is crucial to resolve the problem of undocumented children, whether in terms of identity or citizenship,” she said.

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Source: NST Online

 By – Maximus — 22/07/2025, 10:58AM