Total of more than 1,300 schools will implement DLP this year

PETALING JAYA: Any rumours that the Dual Languange Programme (DLP) would be shelved this year have been put to bed, after the Education Ministry (MOE) announced that it would carry on.
In a statement, the ministry said the 1,215 schools that are currently running the programme – which allows schools to use English or Malay in the teaching and learning of Science and Mathematics subjects – would continue with it this year.
In addition, the ministry has also approved another 88 schools to implement the DLP this year, bringing the total number of schools implementing the programme in 2018 to 1,303.
"The 1,215 schools will be allowed to carry on with the programme for their existing classes and can set up new classes for primary one and secondary one students only.
"For the remaining 88 new schools that have had its implementation approved, the opening of new classes for the programme would be strictly for primary one and secondary one students only," it said.
There have been plenty of confusion among teachers and parents over the past week over whether the programme would be scrapped or postponed this year, after a supposed statement to that effect from a state Education Department was shared on social media.
Many have disagreed, saying that it was a step backwards, while others have claimed that the programme was effective in improving students' proficiency in English.
The ministry said a circular and the implementation guidelines of the DLP would be issued to schools by the end of the week.
"The respective schools are required to make the necessary preparations to ensure smooth implementation of the programme," it said.
It added that classes that implement the DLP would begin on Jan 7 (Sunday) for schools in Kedah, Terengganu, Kelantan and Johor, while classes for other states would start on Jan 8.
The ministry said the objective of the DLP was to increase English proficiency among students through the increase of exposure time to the language in the Science and Mathematics subjects.
The DLP was first announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak when tabling the Budget 2016, saying 300 pilot schools would be offered the programme.
While many have commended the programme, some groups have also objected to it, specifically Indian NGOs and Tamil language activists, who were worried about the future of Tamil education if the programme was allowed.