This new policy will be enforced in stages from next year but will only become compulsory from 2021.

This is contained in a circular by the ministry’s director-general Amin Senin to all state education departments.

Amin said feedback from parents showed they were generally in favour of black shoes and black socks rather than white ones which get dirty easily.

During the transitional stage, students are still allowed to wear white shoes and socks.

Schools have been instructed not to force students to wear only black shoes and socks during this interim period.

The ministry said the shoes for students can be made from canvas or other synthetic materials such as nylon and polyester, taking into account comfort, safety and health.

Currently, students wear white socks and white socks, while school prefects, librarians and uniform bodies are usually asked to wear black shoes with black socks.

The change in shoe colour was announced last July by Education Minister Maszlee Malik.

Former prime minister Najib Razak jokingly regretted not considering such a change during his administration.

“The colours of shoes and socks are really important in the development and formation of perfect students. It is a pity that the Barisan Nasional ministers did not do such a study,” he said in jest.