KUALA LUMPUR: The Education Ministry has confirmed there are no plans to allocate more funds to conduct the Dual Language Programme (DLP) in the future.
The ministry emphasised that the programme has been around since 2016 under the MBMMBI policy (upholding the Malay Language and Strengthening Command of English) and serves as a supportive measure alongside other English language initiatives.
Schools eligible for DLP implementation must meet certain criteria such as ensuring sufficient resources, principal's commitment, parental approval and proficiency in the national language.
"Schools implementing the DLP programme must also ensure that the opportunity for other students to take science and mathematics subjects in the national language or their mother tongue is not affected," the ministry said in a Dewan Rakyat written reply to Lim Lip Eng (PH-Kepong).
It said the ministry has always focused its broader efforts on strengthening English language education, through initiatives such as the Highly Immersive Programme (HIP) and the English Language Skills Enhancement Programme in Schools (PPKBIS) which aim for English language mastery among teachers and students, including those attending DLP classes.
In addition to addressing language proficiency, the ministry highlighted programmess focused on enhancing teacher's competence, such as the Professional Up-Skilling of English Language Teachers (Pro-ELT) and specialised courses for preschool and primary English language teachers.
These initiatives are aligned with the Malaysia Education Development Plan (PPPM) 2013-2025 and the MBMMBI Policy, reflecting the government's commitment to nurturing globally competitive students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.