Penang: The government remains committed to addressing school overcrowding by building new schools to meet growing demand, particularly in urban areas, says Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek. Fadhlina announced that under Budget 2025, the MADANI government has approved the construction of 44 schools, marking the highest number of school approvals in the past four years.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fadhlina highlighted that in recent years, the number of schools approved in the national budget was 44 in 2025, 26 in 2024, and nine each in 2023 and 2022. This trend reflects the government's ongoing efforts to increase school construction, particularly in urban areas, while the Education Ministry (MOE) also implements various other initiatives. The announcement was made during a press event attended by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and Penang PKR chairman Nurul Izzah Anwar at the Penang PKR Chinese New Year Open House.

Fadhlina, who also serves as Nibong Tebal MP, addressed concerns raised by parents on social media about overcrowded classrooms, with reports of some Year One classes in urban schools having up to 50 pupils. She assured that the MOE is taking the matter seriously and would implement appropriate measures, including relocating students to other schools if necessary, as part of their commitment to ensure students can learn in a conducive environment.

In a separate matter, Fadhlina mentioned that children rescued from charity homes linked to GISB Holdings Sdn Bhd would be enrolled in national schools when the new school session begins on February 17. These children previously attended special classes fully managed by MOE at designated shelters. She noted that data on these children is still being gathered as the special classes were temporarily halted to facilitate court proceedings, and expressed confidence that they should have no issues resuming their education once all processes are completed.