25/06/2025

WEDNESDAY | JUNE 25, 2025

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Malaysia’s low education rights ranking a wake-up call

underserved in pursuing undergraduate degrees at local public universities. “In addition to comprehensive financial assistance, scholars can explore internship opportunities at MCMC, where they will be introduced to regulatory functions and policy work that align with the nation’s digital priorities,” MCMC said. Applications for both scholarship programmes opened yesterday and will close on July 24. Successful applicants will be announced in August. To apply online, visit: mcmc.gov.my/academy – Bernama communities Kelantan records over 11,000 HFMD cases so far KOTA BHARU: The Kelantan State Health Department has recorded 11,813 cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) as of the 25th epidemiological week (EW) this year. Its director Datuk Dr Zaini Hussin said the number showed a 14-fold increase compared with the same period last year, but a downward trend in cases had begun to be recorded since the 17th week. “The average weekly case count in the 17th EW was 960 cases and since the 23rd EW, weekly cases have decreased significantly to less than 400 cases per week. “Children aged six years and below are the most affected group with 9,912 cases or 83.9% of the total cases reported,“ he said in a statement yesterday. The age group of seven to 12 years recorded 1,679 cases (14.2 %), while only 222 cases (1.9%) involved individuals over 12 years. Zaini said a total of 138 HFMD outbreaks had been reported throughout the state, with Pasir Mas and Kota Bharu each recording 29 outbreaks at 21%, while Kuala Krai recorded 27 outbreaks at 19.5%. He said early childhood education institutions such as nurseries, kindergartens and pre-schools were among the main locations of HFMD transmission with 102 out of 138 outbreaks (73.9%) occurring at the premises, while 36 outbreaks (26.1%) occurred in private homes. “Enterovirus monitoring found that the main virus causing HFMD transmission in Kelantan is Coxsackievirus A16, which is spread through contact with saliva, blister fluid and stools of patients. “The majority of cases are mild and patients recover completely within seven to 10 days without requiring specific treatment. So far, no serious cases or deaths due to HFMD have been recorded in Kelantan.” He urged daycare and pre-school operators to implement entrance screening, disinfect surfaces and equipment, avoid sharing personal items and immediately report cases to the nearest district health office. – Bernama

PETALING Malaysia’s performance in the latest Human Rights Measurement Initiative (HRMI) report – ranking third-lowest in Asean for education rights – should be viewed as a constructive reminder of the work still needed to ensure inclusive, high-quality education for all, said National Association of Private Educational Institutions deputy president Dr Teh Choon Jin. The HRMI, a global collaboration involving human rights practitioners, researchers and academics, reported that Malaysia is achieving 64.4% of its potential in education rights for males and 70.7% for females, based on national income levels. Both figures fall into the “very bad” category under the HRMI’s benchmark system. Describing the findings as a “sobering wake-up call”, Teh said: “Despite having the resources, we’re still failing to ensure every child receives quality education.” He added that while Malaysia has made strides in reforming its education system, some policies have yet to deliver on the ground, especially in rural areas facing infrastructure challenges, teacher shortages and limited digital access. Teh also noted that the education system remains overly exam orientated, which can hinder the development of essential real-world problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Addressing these issues, he JAYA: o ‘Very bad’ HRMI findings should be reminder of more work needed to ensure inclusive, high quality learning for all, including underserved communities: Expert Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Teh said we need to reach out to often invisible groups such as undocumented children, refugees and youth from marginalised communities through outreach programmes, scholarships and flexible learning pathways. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA /THESUN

to local challenges, and adopting equity-based funding models to channel more resources to disadvantaged areas. He also highlighted the importance of continuity in education policy. “Teacher development must be prioritised through continuous and inclusive training. Inclusive education must be embedded in all policy and implementation frameworks to support students with disabilities and diverse learning needs. “Fostering public-private collaboration can widen access through flexible and community based learning models,” said Teh. “An education system that empowers all learners is not just an investment in individuals; it is the foundation of a stronger, more united Malaysia.” Echoing these concerns, Malaysian Academic Movement secretary Rosli Mahat described the HRMI findings as “saddening but not surprising”, reflecting ongoing challenges that require sustained attention. “Even in the Academic Freedom

emphasised private institutions could play in bridging gaps, especially in underserved communities. “They can also provide tech access and support in communities lacking digital resources,” he added. He further cautioned that frequent changes in curriculum and language policy can cause confusion and added pressure for both students and teachers. To move forward, Teh urged closer collaboration between the public and private sectors. “We need to reach out to often invisible groups such as undocumented children, refugees and youth from marginalised communities through outreach programmes, scholarships and flexible learning pathways,” he said. He added that public-private partnerships could help co-develop inclusive curricula, teacher training initiatives and digital platforms tailored to diverse student needs. Among the key reforms he proposed were amending education laws to guarantee access for all children, decentralising decision making so schools can better respond the role

Index, we score only 0.3 out of 1.0,” he said. Rosli acknowledged that while access to education has improved over the years, disparities still exist. “Unequal school facilities and the unfair distribution of teachers are major barriers. Current policies do not support inclusive education.” Rosli added that special consideration should be given for students from low-income households, first-generation university applicants and undocumented children. “High-achieving or ‘gifted’ students should still be subject to a merit-based system without special privileges,” he added. Rosli also called for ensuring basic infrastructure in all schools, including electricity, clean water, internet access, sports facilities, books and teaching materials. “We must ensure an equitable redistribution of teachers so that all schools benefit from experienced educators.” Rosli said a unified focus on meritocracy, inclusive practices and academic freedom will be essential to achieving long-term improvements.

MCMC scholarships aim to develop leaders in digital sector KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) introduced two flagship scholarship programmes aimed at developing a new generation of talent in the communications and multimedia sector. developing a sustainable pipeline of upskilled, future-ready talent to serve the nation’s communications and multimedia sector,” MCMC said in a statement yesterday. talent that will drive and sustain Malaysia’s digital advancement. By offering both merit and need-based opportunities, MCMC is establishing structured pathways for youth to thrive, contribute meaningfully and build a legacy in the communications and multimedia sector,” the commission said. “In addition to full tuition and living expenses, the programme offers internship placements and guaranteed employment at MCMC. Scholars will gain exposure to areas such as regulatory development, digital infrastructure, policy innovation and network security,” the commission said.

As part of MCMC’s long-term efforts to strengthen national digital capabilities, both scholarships offer full financial support and structured industry exposure. The aim is to equip young Malaysians with skills in areas such as telecommunications, media, regulatory policy, cybersecurity and the Internet of Things (IoT). “The scholarships reflect MCMC’s strong commitment to nurturing

The two scholarships – MCMC Legasi scholarship and MCMC Care scholarship – mark the first time MCMC is offering such awards, reflecting its commitment to building a sustainable and future-ready talent pool for the nation’s digital landscape. “This milestone initiative reflects the commission’s commitment to

“They will also receive training and certifications in high-demand skills, ensuring they graduate as sector ready professionals prepared to lead,” it added. The MCMC Care scholarship is a need-based programme designed to support promising students from

The MCMC Legasi scholarship or leaders of the next-generation scholarship is a merit-based programme for high-performing students pursuing undergraduate studies in communications and multimedia-related fields at leading local or global universities.