Deputy education minister Wong Kah Woh said the ministry’s daily school management division is carrying out groundwork, including in Sabah and Sarawak, to identify schools that can be used for the programme.

He said all recommendations will be brought to the highest level at the ministry, which is looking for K9 schools to be ready when the new school session opens next year.

“We cannot run away from the issue of dropouts in terms of the education of Orang Asli and other indigenous students. The ministry will expand the total number of these schools to 28.

“These schools aim to reduce dropout rates by allowing students to remain in the same school from Year 1 to Form 3, eliminating the need for transitions or transfers after Year 6,” he said after officiating the 2024 National Orang Asli and Indigenous Students’ Education Carnival here today.

Wong also announced that his ministry has selected SK Betau in Lipis, Pahang, for the Madani village adoption programme.

The school will receive various enhancements, including upgraded internet facilities through Starlink and tablets for most students to support teaching and learning sessions.

Additionally, the ministry will improve the supply of clean water and electricity to the school’s new building, upgrade the open hall facilities, and complete a motorcycle repair learning workshop.

“This school will serve as a success story and showcase for the ministry, demonstrating how we ensure development in rural schools,” he said.