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Malaysia defers to authorities on Rohingya school issue
๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡พ Malaysia /Culture & Society

Malaysia defers to authorities on Rohingya school issue

From Utusan Malaysia · () Malay

Translated from Malay, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Malaysia's Ministry of Education (KPM) stated it has no jurisdiction over a school linked to the Rohingya community in Kuala Terengganu.
  • The ministry defers to relevant authorities to investigate and take action regarding the school, which operates outside the purview of the 1996 Education Act.
  • The school, reportedly serving 30-50 children aged 4-15, has raised concerns among local residents about its status and safety.

Malaysia's Ministry of Education (KPM) has clarified that it does not have jurisdiction over a school reportedly established for the Rohingya community in Kuala Terengganu. The ministry stated it is deferring to the appropriate authorities to investigate and address the situation.

Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh explained that any educational institution under KPM must comply with the Education Act of 1996. "All schools under KPM are subject to the Education Act," he said. "Regarding the existence of a Rohingya community school, we leave it to the authorities to see what is happening and take appropriate action."

The school, allegedly operating since February in Kampung Ladang Titian, has become a source of concern for local residents. Reports indicate it serves between 30 and 50 children, aged four to 15, raising questions about its operational status, oversight, and the safety of the area.

In a separate announcement, Wong Kah Woh also highlighted the success of the MADANI Book Voucher program, which has benefited 2,087,143 students. The initiative provides RM100 vouchers to students from Form One through tertiary education levels, with a total allocation of RM210 million for this year. The program aims to encourage reading and improve access to quality literature, with digital redemption expected to begin in July.

All schools under KPM are subject to the Education Act. Regarding the existence of a Rohingya community school, we leave it to the authorities to see what is happening and take appropriate action.

โ€” Wong Kah WohDeputy Education Minister of Malaysia, explaining the ministry's stance on the Rohingya school.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Utusan Malaysia in Malay. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.