SHAH ALAM: Grubby white school shoes will be a thing of the past beginning next year.
Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik said the ministry has decided to allow all primary and secondary school children to wear black shoes from next year’s school term.
Maszlee said the the decision was made after taking into account complaints by parents and guardians.
“Many parents, especially mothers, had voiced their concern over this. We have decided to allow all school children to wear black shoes to school from next year,” he said during a question-and-answer session at the ‘Bicara Minda Bersama Menteri Pendidikan’ programme, on Thursday.
The programme was moderated by veteran journalist Tan Sri Johan Jaafar.
Maszlee said the move was among the various improvements undertaken by the ministry to persuade parents that national schools are a viable option for their children.
“Among the other steps being taken are ensuring that children’s school bags are lighter; improving the curriculum with the aim of making national schools as good as international schools; and returning the teaching profession to the teachers by not burdening them with other non-teaching duties,” he said.
Meanwhile, at a press conference after the programme, Maszlee said the ministry will seek more information from the district education department (PPD) following reports that teachers from the Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Ketereh, Kelantan had raised a banner urging the Kelantan Education Department to change the headmaster.
“Their protest may have been a last resort to voice their displeasure. I hope the district education department will not punish them (the teachers) involved in the incident,” he said.
The minister however noted that he did not condone the move, as there were proper channels the teachers could use to air their grievances.
“Teachers should try to resolve their problems as a family, failing which, they can take it to the next level, such as the PPD and then the ministry,” he said.