Imagine walking hours to school, only to find a leaking ceiling and classrooms without basic facilities. Meanwhile, most students in the city benefit from Wi-Fi, gadgets, libraries and tuition. This is what education inequality in Malaysia looks like.
Why education inequality in Malaysia matters
I’ve always believed that education is the bridge to a better life. My love for history showed me this even more. Reading about past Malaysian leaders, I saw a clear pattern: many rose to leadership because they had access to quality education, often from privileged backgrounds.
Meanwhile, some ordinary Malaysians are left behind. Remember Veveonah from Sabah? She had to climb a tree for Wi-Fi to sit for her online exams during COVID-19. For many, this struggle is not by choice, but because of poverty and lack of infrastructure.
And it’s not only a rural issue. In our cities, children from poor families faced the same barriers. During COVID-19, many in PPR flats couldn’t join online classes because they lacked laptops or data. Urban or rural, inequality still hurts children and young people the most.
I often reflect and feel grateful for the opportunities I’ve had in life. But what if I didn’t? Where would I be? What chances would I have lost?
If we don’t fix education inequality in Malaysia, an entire generation could miss its future. This is not someone else’s problem. It’s ours to solve.
What can youth do?
We are not policymakers or ministers who can build schools or science labs. But that doesn’t mean we’re powerless. Even small actions matter. Here are some ways I’ve tried – or plan to try – that all of us can do too:
1. Raise awareness and start conversations
The first step is to talk about it. Share stories. Write blogs. Post on social media. Even casual chats with friends can spark awareness. Change starts with awareness.
2. Volunteer and support peer learning
Helping a friend with homework may seem small, but it counts. We can volunteer time to tutor peers who are struggling, especially in communities with fewer resources. Student-led study groups, or volunteering with NGOs that support children in PPRs, can slowly close the gap.
3. Use technology for good
Like many youths, I spend a lot of time online. But instead of doomscrolling, I try to use it for impact. Sharing notes, posting study tips, or recording simple tutorials can help others. I once started a Hari Ini Dalam Sejarah series on Instagram stories and was surprised by the positive feedback. It showed me how sharing knowledge can be powerful.
4. Advocate for better policies
We may not sit in parliament, but our voices matter. Joining youth organizations, writing to local reps, answering surveys or joining forums allows us to push for better education policies. Leaders need to hear from us – the generation most affected by their choices.
5. Build community projects
Small projects can have big impact. Collect unused books, set up mini libraries, organize donation drives for school supplies, or run awareness campaigns with friends on social media.
6. Donate for change
Even as a student, I make it a habit to donate a small portion of my allowance to support NGOs working on education, like Teach for Malaysia. The amount may be small, but every sen counts when it helps others learn.
Our future depends on us
Tackling education inequality in Malaysia is not just about fairness; it’s about national progress. A country cannot grow if young people are left behind.
History shows us that education lifted Malaysia from an agriculture-dependent society to an emerging industrial power. As Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
For us young Malaysians, stepping up is not a duty forced on us. It’s a choice – a choice where every child has equal access to education, and where Malaysia is stronger, fairer, and more united.
