Malaysia’s Education Ministry (MOE) announced on August 20 it will study awarding merit points for participation in co-curricular activities by students at prison institutions for university admission consideration [1, 2, 3]. Minister Fadhlina Sidek said this move aims to ensure students in prison schools have a chance to pursue higher education after completing the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination and leaving the institutions. "The merit they earn can be taken into consideration for them to continue their studies at the next level," she said [1].
The MOE is also exploring award systems for skills certificates in collaboration with the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) division. Many students at prison schools acquire practical skills such as sewing and food preparation, which could help their reintegration into society [1, 2, 3, 4].
Deputy Director-General of Education (School Operations Sector) Datuk Zainal Abas said the ministry aims to have Physical, Sports and Co-curricular Assessment (PAJSK) scores recognized this year. Starting in 2027, SPM candidates from prison schools will receive a 10% merit boost in university admission applications based on these scores [1, 2, 3, 4]. Minister Fadhlina emphasized that "this is not about a lack of opportunity. It is not about the place or which school they attend, but about their determination." Students at prison schools have demonstrated this by achieving a 100% pass rate in SPM for two consecutive years [1, 2, 3, 4].
The MOE is also examining ways to keep prison school students connected with education developments outside, including through digital learning platforms. Parental support remains vital, especially through consistent presence and encouragement during challenging periods [1, 2, 3, 4].
The announcement came during the closing of the 17th Hijrah Kasih Programme in Kajang. Reports covering the announcement appeared the following day [1, 2, 3, 4].
