Parents’ Group and Academician Urge Review of Tuition Centre Equity Rule | KiddyNews

A parents’ group and an academic have called on the Ministry of Education (KPM) to reconsider a 30% Bumiputera equity requirement for tuition centres, saying the rule could place an unfair burden on existing operators.

The Melaka Action Group for Parents in Education (Magpie) and independent scholar Sharifah Munirah Alatas raised concerns over the requirement, which has been reported as potentially affecting licence renewals from 2027.

The issue has also prompted KPM to propose a review of the ownership requirements for tuition centres, with the matter expected to be brought to the Cabinet.

Concerns Over Existing Operators

Sharifah criticised the equity condition, arguing that it could shift attention away from broader challenges facing the education sector, including teacher training, administrative workload and classroom pressures.

She also questioned whether requiring existing businesses to give up part of their ownership would effectively encourage Bumiputera entrepreneurship.

Magpie president Mak Chee Kin similarly questioned whether it was fair for tuition centres that have operated successfully for decades to restructure their ownership to comply with a requirement introduced after they were established.

He said many operators had invested their own funds, taken business risks, employed teachers and built their centres over many years.

Alternative Support Suggested

Rather than requiring existing operators to surrender part of their ownership, Mak suggested that the government could support Bumiputera participation in the tuition sector through financing, training and grants.

He also raised concerns about whether similar equity requirements could gradually be extended to other sectors.

Earlier, Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung called on KPM to clarify whether the 30% requirement would apply to existing tuition centres when their registrations are renewed.

He also urged the ministry to consult affected operators and provide clear guidance on how the requirement would be implemented.

KPM To Review Ownership Requirement

KPM has since said it will submit a proposal to the Cabinet to review the existing requirements governing tuition centre ownership.

The ministry said it takes note of the views raised and remains open to hearing from various parties. It also said the education sector should remain open to those who wish to contribute to the development and learning of Malaysian children.

For tuition centre operators and families who rely on supplementary education, the review could provide greater clarity on the registration requirements and how they may affect existing centres from 2027.

Source:

Free Malaysia Today – “Drop ‘absurd’ Bumiputera equity rule for tuition centres, govt urged”

Thoughtfully adapted by KiddyNews. Keeping parents and educators informed with the latest ECCE developments from Malaysia and beyond.