According to Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) lecturer Hasnah Toran, this factor might deny students the chance to acquire a good command of Bahasa Melayu, as observed in dual language programme (DLP) schools.

Last week, education minister Fadhlina Sidek revealed that some students in DLP schools did not achieve basic proficiency in Bahasa Melayu and their mother tongue.

Hasnah told FMT:  “It should be enjoyable, rather than solely exam-oriented. We should also look at whether the right values are instilled by schools and parents regarding mastering the mother tongue.”

She said comprehensive research is needed to address this issue, and most importantly, the ministry needs to provide evidence, not just anecdotal data.

“It’s not like we’ve only started teaching the mother tongue in schools for a year. If there are weaknesses, we should have identified them a long time ago. In terms of pedagogy, all our teachers are trained.

Meanwhile, Wan Marzuki Wan Jaafar from Universiti Putra Malaysia believes there should be an overarching “balancing” initiative to enhance proficiency in BM and the mother tongue among students in DLP schools.

This includes curriculum updates that are more rapid and responsive to changing needs, encompassing elements that highlight the use of the language in daily life situations.

“Ensure that teachers have strong language skills and are capable of effective teaching through relevant and engaging educational software. Regular training programmes can help enhance their proficiency.

“Organise cultural and sports activities that involve the use of BM. Literary programmes and BM theatre direction can also be included in school activities,” he said.