One parent is concerned that in overcrowded classrooms, the quality of education will deteriorate, while another fears that it may lead to social problems.
A parent who wished to be known only as Fareesha told FMT she was deterred from sending her three children to a national school for fear that they would not receive the high standard of education they deserve.
But for the 45-year-old housewife, there is another problem — frequent changes in the format at national schools. “I prefer something more stable for my children,” she said.
Last month, education minister Fadhlina Sidek said in a written parliamentary reply that Bumiputera enrolment in international schools rose by 49.4% between 2019 and 2024, while non-Bumiputera enrolment increased by 30.6%.
The government has long been criticised for the Malaysian education system’s ever-changing curriculum.
Critics say it has disrupted the learning process and put a strain on teachers, leading to a decline in the quality of education.
For example, the Form Three lower secondary assessment was replaced by PT3 in 2014, which made way just eight years later for school-based assessments.
Fareesha said the national syllabus is also too academic in content.
These issues have made Bumiputera parents lose confidence in national schools, and those who are financially capable now opt to send their children to international schools, she said.
“A more wholesome approach to education should be implemented in national schools,” she added.
Education sociologist Anuar Ahmad agrees that the rising Bumiputera student enrolment in international schools suggests that more parents are losing trust in the quality of national schools.
Another parent, Dr Wan Hidayu, said that with 40 to 50 students in each class, it is nearly impossible for teachers to monitor each student effectively.
“I believe this can lead to social problems such as smoking and inappropriate interactions among male and female students,” the 37-year-old medical practitioner said.
Additionally, she values the cultural exposure her children receive at international schools, which she believes broadens their worldview.
Media relations executive Nasuha Badrul Huzaini, 37, said the rising number of residents in Puncak Alam, Selangor, where she lives, has exacerbated the problem of overcrowding in schools.
“The government schools are simply unable to keep up with the growing number of students,” she told FMT.
“That’s why I chose an international school for my child, seeking a more conducive learning environment where teachers can focus on each student,” she said.
Nasuha noted that classes at international schools are smaller, with only 15 to 18 students each.
“This ensures that each child receives individualised attention from the teachers, enabling them to explore their potential more effectively,” she said.
“I also wanted my child to master the English language. At an international school, English is widely used, which would support this goal,” Nasuha added.