KUALA LUMPUR, August 15 – In a landmark move for the national education system, the Dewan Rakyat has passed the Education (Amendment) Bill 2025, making secondary education compulsory for all Malaysian children.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek hailed the amendment to the Education Act 1996 as a historic step in strengthening human capital, stating that “education is the birthright of every child.” The bill, which introduces a new Section 32A, mandates that all Malaysian children must remain in school throughout their secondary education.
It received bipartisan support, with MPs emphasizing its potential to combat poverty, enhance employability, and uplift the nation’s competitiveness. Lawmakers also urged the government to address underlying causes of school dropouts, such as financial hardship, to ensure the bill’s successful implementation.
