Sekolah Desa Casuarina Complex To Open Next Year, Ease Nilai Overcrowding

SEREMBAN, Jan 12 (Bernama) -- The issue of overcrowding at several schools in Nilai is expected to be resolved when the Sekolah Desa Casuarina Complex begins operations next year, under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).

State education director Khalidah Omar said the construction of new primary and secondary schools in the area is among the government’s key measures to address overcrowded classrooms, which currently accommodate more than 40 students per class.

She said the state education department remains committed to addressing the increasingly high student density in the area, which is influenced by Nilai’s proximity to the Selangor border.

“We acknowledge that overcrowded classrooms exist, particularly in high-density areas, such as Nilai Impian, Taman Semarak and Desa Cempaka. The opening of the new school is expected to gradually alleviate the problem.

“Population growth and Nilai’s location near the Selangor border have contributed to the issue, as many parents work in Selangor but reside in Nilai, which is one of the main factors leading to classroom overcrowding,” she said.

She said this after visiting Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Seremban 3, and officiating the opening of a new preschool, in conjunction with the first day of school, here, today.

Besides constructing new schools, Khalidah said the department is also collaborating with developers, through corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, to add classrooms in existing schools around Nilai, as a temporary measure.

“We are fully committed to ensuring that every child has access to schooling, even if it may not always be the school of choice for parents. Our priority is to safeguard students’ welfare and well-being, and ensure continued access to education in the state under all circumstances,” she said.

-- BERNAMA