KUALA LUMPUR, June 7 — Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek announced today that the Penang State Education Department (JPN) has launched engagement sessions to address objections to the Dual Language Programme (DLP) in various schools across the state. The initiative aims to ensure effective implementation of the DLP while adhering to established guidelines and achieving its objectives.
The implementation of the DLP follows guidelines outlined in the Ministry of Education Malaysia’s Circular Number 5 of 2024, emphasizing opportunities for students to study Science and Mathematics in either the national language or their mother tongue. Schools are mandated to provide at least one class per standard/form for teaching and learning in the national language or mother tongue, starting from Standard 1 and Form 1 for the upcoming school session.
The DLP, a key initiative under the Upholding the Malay Language and Strengthening the Command of English policy, aims to enhance students’ English proficiency by teaching Science and Mathematics in English. The move comes amid recent requests from School Boards and Parent-Teacher Associations in Penang to honour parents’ preferences and maintain the original intent of the DLP for these subjects.
