For more details on specific programs, visit the official Ministry of Education portal.
. Education is managed by the Ministry of Education (pre-tertiary) and the Ministry of Higher Education (tertiary), with a goal of creating a holistic, "balanced" individual 1. Structure of Education
Starting at age 7, primary education lasts six years and is compulsory for all citizens. Parents can choose between National Schools ( SK ), where Malay is the medium of instruction, or National-Type Schools ( SJKC or SJKT ), which use Mandarin or Tamil respectively.
While the literacy rate is high, the system faces ongoing reforms regarding:
Known as Sekolah Rendah . Students attend for six years (Standard 1 to 6). Secondary School (Ages 13–17): Known as Sekolah Menengah . Lower Secondary: Forms 1 to 3.
Students often learn 2–3 languages (BM, English, and Mandarin/Tamil). This fosters cultural awareness and practical language skills.