KUCHING: Unlike other schools around the country, the situation at Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan (SJKC) Chung Hua Beliong was rather quiet and calm as it welcomed only three Standard 1 pupils.
Seated together, the three students who could not speak Mandarin were initially clueless when instructions were given in the language until their teacher translated and further explained in Bahasa Malaysia.
The school is located in Kampung Beliong, a village cut off from road access despite being just an hour away from Kuching by car.
To get there, one must take a 10-minute sampan ride from Kampung Tambirat across Sungai Samarahan followed by a 20-minute walk.
Principal Kho Hui Ling said there are 23 pupils in the school with only one Chinese student, who is currently in Standard 2.
"Though there are another two Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) schools here, some parents hope their children can master an additional language, which is Mandarin and able to read and write in Chinese," she said when met at the school, here, today.
"Some think it is easy for teachers here as there are less students, however, it remains a challenging task to ensure Bumiputera children can speak and read Mandarin fluently.
"We always feel proud and touched when our children are able to communicate in various languages," she added.
Apart from that, Kho said the school also plans to invite parents to participate in various activities related to Chinese festivals.
"We believe that this can allow the Bumiputera children and their families to understand Chinese better.. it is more than just a language or a subject in school," said Kho.
The school established in 1964, used to be filled with Chinese pupils, however, due to lack of infrastructure and economic development, a majority of the Chinese families moved to nearer towns or bigger cities.
Federation of Boards of Management for SJK Chung Hua of Kuching, Samarahan and Serian Divisions Chairman Jonathan Chai said SJK Chung Hua Beliong remains relevant as an educational institution despite its low enrolment of students in recent years.
The school had its past glorious history when it reached an enrolment of a few hundred in its formative years.
Not too long ago, the Board of Management and the local community were discussing whether to relocate the school, but decided to let it stay due to sentimental considerations," Chai said when contacted.
Like many other small sized schools, the school encounters problems in getting students due to diminishing population in the area with most residents heading elsewhere to earn a living.
He added with the introduction of “Kelas Bercantum” (Combined Classes) as part of the rationalisation of resources by the Ministry of Education last year, it would likely reduce the problem of getting more students to enrol at the school.
"Most parents are not receptive to the idea of 'combined classes' as it is perceived as difficult for any teacher to teach two classes in a slot as the teaching time has to be divided and shared.
"Personally, I think those small schools should consider relocating to other densely populated areas for practical reasons.
"However, we respect the wishes of the local community and the school board to maintain the school at all costs," Chai added.