LETTER | Once the proud pillars of vernacular education in Malaysia, Tamil schools are now standing on shaky ground.

Despite modest improvements in academic performance over the past 15 years, the harsh truth remains, enrolment is steadily declining.

And the future of Tamil education hangs in the balance.

This year, only 10,280 pupils enrolled in Year One. Fast forward to 2023 and 2024, the numbers barely improved - 11,712 and 11,568, respectively.

While that may seem like progress, it pales in comparison to the over 102,000 students enrolled in 2011. By 2021, that number had plummeted to just 80,000.

The trend is clear, and it’s alarming.

Why the drastic drop? The reasons are many, but they all point to a systemic neglect and shifting priorities.

Shrinking student numbers mean fewer teaching positions, leaving passionate educators without stable jobs and schools without the workforce to thrive.

Parental fears about language proficiency, particularly in Bahasa Malaysia and English, are pushing families to opt for non-SJKT schools, often without fully understanding the holistic value Tamil schools can offer.

Socio-economic shifts, urban migration, and demographic changes have left many estate-based schools struggling to survive.

Yet, amid the gloom, Selangor stands tall with the highest Year One enrolment in 2024 at 3,161 students, followed by Johor (1,840) and Perak (1,497).

These numbers show that where there is awareness and access, there is demand.

Bold action needed

But numbers alone won’t save Tamil schools.

We must ask. Are NGOs and foundations doing enough? Are they merely patching cracks, or are they building bridges through infrastructure upgrades, academic support, and most importantly, parental outreach?

It’s time to ignite a movement. We need bold, sustained awareness campaigns that highlight the strengths of SJKTs - their cultural richness, academic rigour, and community spirit.

We need forums, roadshows, and grassroots engagement to challenge misconceptions and showcase success stories.

And if estate schools are no longer viable, let’s not let them die in silence. Transfer their licences. Rebuild in urban centres where Indian communities are growing.

Don’t let bureaucracy bury heritage.

This is more than just about schools. It’s about identity, opportunity, and dignity. If we don’t act now, we risk losing not just institutions but an entire legacy.

The time for polite concern is over. The time for bold action is now.

M VIVEKANANTHAN is an aide to the MIC deputy president and Tapah MP M Saravanan.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.