Policy on Exemption from Mandatory Education (Year 1 Deferral)

Policy Statement

• The deferment to Year 1 is an exception from compulsory education based on the age cohort given to children who require it. However, this deferment is a privilege, not a right. Regular schooling is prioritized for children because it provides an opportunity for children to interact with each other.

Source of Authority

• The Education Act 1996 (Act 550)
  • Subsection 29A(3) of the Education Act 1996 (Act 550) provides that "the Minister may, if deemed necessary and in the interest of the student or the public to do so," by order published in the Gazette, exempt any student or group of students required to attend compulsory education, either absolutely or subject to any conditions deemed fit and may, at any time in his discretion, revoke the exemption or revoke or amend the conditions.

• Circular Letter Ikhtisas No. 14/2002: Implementation of Compulsory Education at the Lower Level 2003 dated November 27, 2002.
• Guidelines for the Implementation of Compulsory Education at the Lower Level Year 2003.

Implementation Method

• Cases for deferment of admission to Year 1
  • Decided by the Director-General of Education Malaysia (KPPM) as the Chief Registrar of Educational Institutions and Teachers.
• The categories of exemption application are :
  • Cases subject to Section 29A - applications by parents of students born on or after January 2nd to January 15th during the school year
  • Cases not subject to Section 29A - applications by parents of students born before January 2nd during the current school year.
• Implementation of Compulsory Education Exemptions
  • Applicants must provide reasonable justifications based on the main principles of exemption to the Ministry of Education Malaysia.
• Special consideration for exemption is given to :
  • Indigenous and native Bumiputera of Sabah and Sarawak who reside in remote areas and traditionally lead a nomadic lifestyle;
  • Special needs students as determined, for example, through Special Education Regulations under the Education Act 1996 (Act 550); and
  • Other groups as determined by KPPM.
• Applications that can be considered for exemption from compulsory lower-level education are as follows :
  • Students who turn six years old on January 1st of the current school year and apply to defer admission to Year 1 to the following year; and
  • Other applications.
• Applications are submitted by parents/guardians to the State Education Department.
• Students must attend lower-level education at school until the deferment application is approved.
• Applications use the application form (Form PPW 2) and certified supporting documents :
  • One (1) copy of the father's identification card (front and back);
  • One (1) copy of the mother's identification card (front and back);
  • One (1) copy of the child's birth certificate (front and back) ;
  • One (1) copy of the proof of enrollment in Year 1 ;
  • One (1) original copy of the doctor's report; and
  • Other relevant documents if applicable.

Effective Date 28 Jun 2003