Kuala Lumpur: The Foundation for the Development of Tamil Schools in Malaysia has proposed that the government allocate special funds to upgrade the facilities of Tamil National-Type Schools (SJKT), enhancing their appeal to parents and bringing them on par with national schools. Its president, Datuk T. Murugiah, emphasized the need for more funding to improve the quality of education in SJKT schools, including enhancing teacher salaries, school development, and access to modern learning technology.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Murugiah stated that the Ministry of Education should introduce policies that provide more advantages to Tamil schools, including expanding access to rural areas. He highlighted the necessity of a more flexible SJKT school curriculum that strengthens proficiency in Malay and English, alongside Tamil, to ensure students remain competitive in the mainstream education system.

Murugiah, who is also the MIC vice-president and a former Deputy Minister, urged all parties, particularly the Indian community, to take immediate action to ensure Tamil schools remain relevant and the preferred choice for parents. He stressed the importance of education as the foundation of community development and warned that SJKT schools must not lose their place in the national education system.

Furthermore, Murugiah expressed his concern over the declining enrollment of students in SJKT schools across the country. He warned that if this issue is not addressed promptly, it could weaken the Tamil education system and lead to a decline in the use of the Tamil language in Malaysia.