Preferred language to learn Science Education in Malaysia : English or Malay?

Tanjong Malim : An unavoidable controversial debate in Malaysia till now is whether to use English or Malay in teaching and learning (T&L) Science Education. Malaysia introduced a program named Dual Language Program (DLP) in 2016 to ensure that Science education such as Biology, Physics and Chemistry is taught in English by the educators. What are the objectives of DLP?

According to the guidelines of the implementation of the DLP by Ministry of Education are to improve students’ English proficiency level, provide opportunities for the students to compete at global level and increase students’ employability in the workplace.

However, in the year 2024 the Minister of Education, YB Fadhlina Sidek issued a new guideline saying that “the new DLP guidelines require at least one class in Year One and Form One where Science is taught in Malay language, even if it is against parents’ wishes”.

Problem arose here when parents started to critic the newly made guidelines against Malaysia’s Education Minister. “Some parents are worried that forcing this new requirement of their children would end up affecting their academic performance and almost 100% of parents did not want their children to be taught Science in Malay”. By hook or by crook they prefer their children to learn Science education in English.

In fact, even the Form One students from the school SMJK Chung Ling wants to learn Science in English. They disliked to this learning condition because they are more fond of and used to learn Science in English rather than using Malay language.

In this case, the main concern of the parents was not to create chaos between the languages, but it is simply because they are against to the current condition of the education system when it comes to the language used for their children’s academic purposes.

Although, DLP has given the flexibility to the schools and choice to the parents to choose the preferred language but majority of the parents opt for English language to be used in the T&L sessions of Science education as they are keen to prepare their children to access the English language at tertiary institution as the medium of instructions. Parents are concern about the preparedness and usability of English proficiency of their children in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education not only at the school level but also at the international and global level.

So, how should one tackle this problem especially for those going to register their children for Year One and Form One for the upcoming years in a primary and secondary institution?

Urge parents to survey the background of the schools before enrolling their children for primary or secondary education. Get recent updates about the current education system from day to day using reliable sources such as news telecasts, official education portals and so on and so forth.

Parents with big dreams and hopes do ensure your children’s academics appropriately and effectively. Parents make sure to discuss and get to know your children’s language preference in learning Science education. At the end it’s their individual opinion and preference. The authorities respect the preference of parents and students by giving them the choice to choose the language to carry out T&L sessions of Science education. Importantly, the choice is an individual one.

Author’s :

Sharmila Sugumaran
Master of Education (Biology) Student,
Faculty of Science and Mathematics, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI)

Dr.Mohd Mokhzani bin Ibrahim
Lecturer, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI)