Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Education (MOE) is set to expand its Special Comprehensive Model Schools K9 and K11 as a primary strategy to address student dropout issues in remote and rural areas, including Orang Asli settlements. Deputy Minister Wong Kah Woh highlighted that the programs have significantly reduced dropout rates over the past three years, especially during key educational transitions such as from Standard Six to Form One, and Form Three to Form Four.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, before 2022, the number of K9 schools was limited to 13. Over the past three years, this number has grown to 30, following a careful assessment of potential schools. In 2023, the K11 concept was introduced, upgrading K9 schools, with two K11 schools currently operating at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Long Bedian, Sarawak and SMK Betau, Pahang. This year saw the addition of three more schools, increasing the total to five K11 schools, as stated by Deputy Minister Wong in response to a query from Senator Datuk Mustafa Musa.

In other developments, the government has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the jurisdiction of Syariah Courts under the Federal Constitution. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar confirmed that the Federal Court's decision in the Nik Elin Zurina Nik Abdul Rashid case in February 2024 does not alter the status of Syariah Courts but rather clarifies state legislative boundaries regarding syariah criminal laws. The responsibility for enacting, amending, and reviewing syariah laws continues to reside with state religious authorities and the State Legislative Assembly (DUN). A Special Committee chaired by Tun Zaki Tun Azmi has been established to study related issues, with its preliminary report guiding future Islamic legal reforms at the state level, as explained by Mohd Na'im in response to Senator Musoddak Ahmad's inquiry.