A Chinese primary school in central Johor and Perlis are now relying on students from other ethnic groups for support after reports revealed that some new classes have no Chinese pupils.
Among them is SJK (C) Kong Min in Tawar, Kuala Ketil, Kedah which will have 13 Year One pupils (12 Malays and one Indian), while SJK (C) Kong Aik in Mata Ayer, Perlis has enrolled 23 Year One pupils, all of whom are non-Chinese, according to Kwongwah.
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“The school relies on the support of non-Chinese to survive”
School committee chairman Xu Weizheng said this year’s Year One intake was a big improvement, with 13 new students compared to just two last year, but none of them are Chinese.
He pointed out that the school now has 45 students, mostly Malay, with only one Chinese, one Indian, and one mixed Chinese-Malay student.
He also mentioned that many younger Chinese from Tawar have moved away for better opportunities, leaving only older generations behind, which has led to fewer Chinese students in the school.
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The school must continue promoting Chinese culture
However, Kedah Dong Lian Hui president Zhuang Jun Long emphasised that the school must stick to its Chinese identity, both in its syllabus and administration, to continue promoting Chinese culture.
He noted that non-Chinese families choose Chinese schools because they value the rich cultural education they provide.
Zhuang also mentioned that it’s becoming common for Chinese schools with low enrollment to depend on non-Chinese support, but as long as the schools maintain their cultural values and focus on excellence in education, they will continue to thrive.
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This is due to the small local Chinese population
Meanwhile, SJK (C) Kong Aik is set to welcome 23 new pupils when school starts on Monday, but none of them are Chinese.
Principal Liang Yong Xiang mentioned that the number of Chinese students enrolling has been steadily declining, from five in 2023 to 3 last year, and now none this year.
School committee chairman Lin Hui Chu explained that this trend is due to the small local Chinese population in Mata Ayer, with a higher proportion of other ethnic groups making Chinese pupils a minority at the school.
However, Lin emphasised that the school remains committed to providing Chinese education, with Mandarin as the medium of instruction for all students.
“As long as parents continue enrolling their children, the school will stay focused on promoting Chinese education,” said Lin.
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