The Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO) welcomes the decision to make secondary schooling compulsory for all, following the successful reading of the Education Amendment Bill 2025 in the House of Representatives.
This significant amendment expands the existing Education Act 1996, extending compulsory education beyond primary level (ages six to 12) to secondary school education up to age 17, unless officially exempted.
Penalties for non-compliance include fines of up to RM 5,000, imprisonment of up to six months, or both.
Fundamental right that empowers all children
At the WAO, we believe that education is a right, not a privilege. Every child, regardless of gender, deserves the opportunity to learn, grow and fulfil their potential.
This decision to make secondary education compulsory is not only a progressive step for Malaysia. It is a critical move toward fulfilling our international commitments under the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which guarantees every child the right to education without discrimination.
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What this means for women and girls:
- Empowerment through education: Secondary education enables girls to develop skills, confidence and opportunities critical for participating in the workforce and civic life. Education is one of the most effective tools for poverty reduction. Children who complete school are more likely to secure stable employment and improve their economic status.
- Preventing gender-based violence: Education is a protective factor. Girls who stay in school are statistically less likely to experience early marriage, intimate partner violence or exploitation, and other forms of gender-based violence.
- Reducing inequalities: Marginalised girls, including those in rural areas, Indigenous communities, and girls with disabilities will benefit from stronger legal support for their right to education.
Ensuring effective implementation
The WAO applauds this progressive move and urges the government to take further action to translate this policy into tangible outcomes by:
- Guaranteeing accessibility and inclusivity: Identify and address barriers to education, including financial and logistical barriers such as transport, school expenses and digital access, particularly for marginalised communities.
- Making schools safer and gender-sensitive: Ensure that all children, especially girls, are not only enrolled but also protected and empowered throughout their schooling years. We urge the government to improve access to protection and a better support system by ensuring clear protocols and trained personnel to identify and respond to gender-based violence, sexual harassment, bullying and abuse.
- Monitoring and reporting progress: Effective implementation of compulsory secondary education requires robust and transparent monitoring mechanisms to ensure that no child is left behind. This data is critical for identifying trends, gaps and groups at higher risk of exclusion or early school-leaving.
– WAO
AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
