Floating school on Tasik Banding in Perak set to pull more Orang Asli children back into classrooms, says minister
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 21 — The Education Ministry’s first floating school on Tasik Banding near Gerik, Perak, is being positioned as a way to improve access to schooling for Orang Asli children living in remote settlements, Minister Fadhlina Sidek said today.
She said the initiative, launched under the ministry’s Special Programme (ProKhas) last month, is meant to serve as a community-based alternative for students who live far from formal schools, according to a Bernama report published today.
“Alhamdulillah, the response has been very positive so far. We are still working to bring more children from the interior to join,” she told reporters during a visit to the floating facility.
“When they see their friends attending school, we hope their interest will grow.”
Fadhlina said the ministry was trying to address long-standing barriers that keep Orang Asli children out of the classroom, noting that the floating school was intended to offer a closer and more flexible learning environment.
“This is where our commitment begins to ensure no child is left behind,” she added.
The minister said teaching at the centre is tailored for mixed-age groups, with teachers using differentiated instruction to accommodate varying literacy levels.
