Over 1,000 Malaysian Schools Unsafe or Dilapidated, Education Ministry Says

More than 1,000 schools across Malaysia have been identified as structurally unsafe or dilapidated, according to the Ministry of Education. As of the first quarter of this year, 1,061 schools fall under 'Scale Seven,' the classification for such buildings.

Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek stated that the ministry, through the State Education Departments, continuously evaluates the necessity and feasibility of constructing replacement buildings for schools categorized under Scale Seven. Applications meeting the criteria will be submitted in phases to central agencies for consideration under the five-year Malaysia Development Plan.

Fadhlina also addressed the teacher-to-student ratio, explaining that the ministry considers various factors in teacher placement, including student enrollment, school location, subject needs, teacher preferences, and existing vacancies. As of June, there were 422,804 teachers in service, achieving a 98.11% staffing rate. The ministry remains committed to ensuring safe and conducive educational infrastructure for all students and staff nationwide.