MOE views seriously dropout problems among Orang Asli: Chong

NILAI: The Ministry of Education (MOE) always views seriously problems of school dropouts involving Orang Asli children, its deputy minister, Datuk Chong Sin Woon, said today.
He said efforts had been made to address the problem, including the setting up of Comprehensive Special Model School Year 9 (K9), and the training of teachers among the Orang Asli community.
"We have education development plan for the Orang Asli because we do not want the Orang Asli children to drop out from schools," he told reporters after the "Jalinan Kasih" programme with the Orang Asli community in Kampung Gebok here.
Chong said under the K9 programme, the Orang Asli students would be at the same school for nine years, from Year One to Form Three, as well as given accommodation at the school hostel for staying in distant areas.
He said the government planned to have more K9 schools, where there were currently five in the peninsula, namely SK Betau, Lipis and SK Paloh Inai, Pekan in Pahang; SK Pos Kemar, Gerik, Perak; SK Bukit Kemandol, Kuala Langat, Selangor, and SK Seri Sedohok, Kluang, Johor.

The K9 schools in Sarawak are SK Long Bedian, SK Long Lamo, SK Keyok, SK Long Jakitan, SK Long Lamin and SK Lusong Laku, while SK Pensiangan, SK Bawang, SK Sabur, SK Buis and SK Menanam are in Sabah.
At the event, Chong handed over essential items to 42 Orang Asli families in Kampung Gebok. — Bernama