LETTERS: Overcrowded schools, such as those recently reported in Kota Kemuning and Cyberjaya, raise significant implications for public health and the wellbeing of children, families and teachers.
Overcrowded classrooms not only lead to cramped spaces and insufficient facilities, but also pose significant risks to mental and physical health.
Physically, overcrowded environments increase the spread of infectious diseases and compromise hygiene.
We have learnt so much from Covid-19 that prioritising smaller-sized classes is not just about comfort, but a crucial measure to restrict outbreaks.
In cramped classes, the student-teacher interaction can diminish and teachers struggle to provide individual attention and support to each student.
Psychologically, students and teachers experience heightened stress, anxiety and burnout, with very little support available to them.
Collectively, these processes can hinder job performance among teachers, and more importantly, affect academic performance among students, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Addressing the root causes of overcrowded classrooms, ensuring equitable access to education and healthcare are essential steps toward fostering a healthier population and unlocking the nation's full economic potential.
Such efforts require building additional schools, redistributing students, and implementing policies for equitable resource allocation.
Advocacy for education infrastructure investment is crucial for ensuring all children have access to quality education within safe surroundings.
DR NURUL FIRDAUS SALAHUL AHAMED
Master of Public Health candidate
Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya;
DR NUR AFIQAH MOHD SALLEH
Senior lecturer, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, UM
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times