KUALA LUMPUR: The Education Ministry plans to increase the number of Comprehensive Special Model School 9 (K9) and Comprehensive Special Model School 11 (K11) this year to address the issue of school dropout rates among students in rural areas.

       Deputy Minister Wong Kah Woh said the proposal involves four K9 schools, namely SK Keruak in Besut, SK Merang in Setiu, and SK Pulau Redang in Kuala Nerus, Terengganu as well as SK Nanga Merit in Limbang, Sarawak.

       For K11 schools, he said it involves two schools, namely SMK Betau in Lipis, Pahang, and SMK Long Bedian in Baram, Sarawak.

       "K9 schools refer to nine years (of schooling), where students will attend school under one roof from Standard One to Form Three.

       "At the same time, if K9 schools are expanded, they will become K11 (meaning) our children will have a more comprehensive education until Form Five," he said when replying to a question from Senator Musoddak Ahmad in the Dewan Negara Monday (April 1).

       Meanwhile, Wong said the primary school dropout rate last year stood at only 0.06%, down from 0.29% in 2017.

       At the secondary level, the dropout rate decreased from 1.36% in 2017 to 0.83% last year. - Bernama

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