Tamil vernacular schools in Malaysia have long been a cornerstone of the Indian community’s educational and cultural heritage. However, in recent years, a pressing issue has emerged which is declining student enrollment. Data released by the Persatuan Guru Besar Sekolah Tamil Malaysia highlights this worrying trend, with the number of Year 1 students in Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Tamil (SJKT) steadily decreasing.
In 2023, there were 11,712 students registered, which slightly dropped to 11,568 in 2024, and further declined to 11,120 in 2025.
However, it came to our surprise that Johor is the only state to witness an increase in student enrollment, rising from 1,913 in 2023 to 2,013 in 2025. Despite this, the overall numbers reflect a steady downturn, raising concerns about the future of Tamil education in Malaysia.
Today, that number of Tamil schools has nearly halved. Various factors contribute to this decline, including shifting parental preferences, socio-economic challenges, and demographic changes.
Astro Ulagam spoke with National Tamil School Headmasters Council Chairperson, SS Pandian, who is also the headmaster of SJK (T) Bestari Jaya, to understand the root causes behind this decline. According to Pandian, parental decision-making plays a crucial role in enrollment rates. While parents naturally consider multiple factors before enrolling their children in school, some may be influenced by external opinions rather than firsthand assessments of the school’s quality and offerings.
Additionally, broader societal trends such as delayed marriages and lower birth rates contribute to the declining student population. The increasing cost of living in Malaysia has also been cited as a reason why many young couples are postponing having children, ultimately impacting school enrollment numbers.
Not to forget, the challenges such as outdated facilities and limited resources in some SJKTs may deter parents from enrolling their children. Concerns about language proficiency also play a role, as some parents fear that their children may not gain adequate mastery of the national or global languages, influencing their decision to opt for non-SJKT schools.
For instance, in Cyberjaya, where approximately 350 Indian families reside, the absence of a Tamil school has posed a significant challenge. As a result, parents are traveling to Puchong to enroll their children in a Tamil school, adding to their daily commuting burden.
Currently, Malaysia has 528 Tamil schools, but states such as Perlis, Kelantan, and Melaka have reported significantly low enrollment rates. If this trend continues, there is a growing fear that some schools may be forced to close due to insufficient student numbers and inadequate resources.
“The decline in Tamil school enrollment directly affects teachers as well,” says Pandian. With fewer students, many teachers struggle to secure stable employment, leading to a shortage of teaching opportunities within Tamil schools.
Recognising the significance of SJKTs in preserving Tamil heritage, SS Pandian and his team have undertaken various initiatives to address the declining enrollment. One key effort is engaging with the government to upgrade Tamil school facilities, ensuring a conducive learning environment that meets modern educational standards.
Additionally, they are actively organising awareness campaigns to educate parents on the benefits of Tamil education, emphasizing the well-rounded curriculum offered by SJKTs. Indeed, much-needed. Strengthening community engagement is also a priority, with outreach programs, events, and educational forums being conducted to foster a stronger connection between Tamil schools and the community.
There’s no denying that Tamil schools have been a source of pride for the Indian community in Malaysia, serving as a vital institution for preserving language and culture. Their existence should not be determined solely by economic considerations but as a fundamental right for Malaysian Indians to receive mother-tongue education.
As efforts continue to encourage higher enrollment, it is imperative for the community, educational leaders, and the government to work together to ensure the sustainability and growth of Tamil schools for future generations.
Image Credit : SJK (T) Kinrara