Kuala lumpur: The Education Ministry (MOE) will explore the possibility of awarding merit for participation in co-curricular activities, such as sports, by students at prison institutions for their consideration in university admission. This initiative aims to provide these students with opportunities to pursue higher education after completing the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) and leaving the institutions.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Minister Fadhlina Sidek emphasized the importance of this move to ensure educational opportunities do not end for students at prison institutions after their schooling. She spoke about this initiative while closing the 17th Hijrah Kasih Programme organized by the MOE in collaboration with the Malaysian Prison Department. The merit students earn will be considered for continuing their studies at the next level.
In addition to co-curricular merit, the ministry plans to discuss with the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) division the potential for awarding skills certificates to students who undergo training while at prison institutions. These students acquire various skills, including sewing and food preparation, which could be beneficial upon their return to society.
In related developments, Fadhlina highlighted that students at schools in prisons achieved a 100 per cent pass rate in the SPM for two consecutive years, demonstrating that their circumstances do not hinder educational success. She stressed that determination, not location or school type, is key to educational achievement.
The ministry is also exploring ways to keep these students abreast with educational developments outside, particularly through digital learning. Fadhlina noted the importance of parental support, emphasizing their presence during challenging times for their children.
Meanwhile, Datuk Zainal Abas, the deputy director-general of Education (School Operations Sector), stated that the ministry aims to recognize Physical, Sports and Co-curricular Assessment (PAJSK) scores for students at prison schools this year. This recognition will allow SPM candidates from 2027 to receive 10 per cent merit when applying for university admission, as sporting and co-curricular achievements can enhance their merit for higher education applications.
Zainal also mentioned that the MOE is considering providing teachers at integrity schools and Henry Gurney schools nationwide access to the DELIMa (Digital Educational Learning Initiative Malaysia) platform. Additionally, the ministry is studying the possibility of offering controlled access to DELIMa for students at these institutions, enabling participation in online learning and digital access to educational materials, to ensure they have learning facilities comparable to those available to other students.