Sharp decline in enrolment at SM Sains Kuching a grave concern

SERIAN: A decline in the number of student intake for SM Sains Kuching at Jalan Matang here should serve as a wakeup call for both teachers and parents with regard to the lack of interest among school-children in learning Science and Mathematics subjects.

According to Assistant Minister of Transportation Datuk Dr Jerip Susil, the number of enrolment to the science school has been drastically reduced, largely because many students do not meet the entry requirements.

It is learnt that the SM Sains here could only accept 600 students – a far cry from its enrolment capacity of 1,600 students.

“Such decline is a matter of concern for us. As such, I hope that parents and teachers could work together in nurturing and instilling in our children the love for Science and Mathematics subjects,” Dr Jerip said at the presentation of school uniform vouchers for schoolchildren across the Mambong state constituency – where he is the assemblyman – at a restaurant in Siburan near here.

A total of 224 pupils from 22 primary schools, including Chinese schools, received the vouchers from Yayasan Sarawak.

Adding on, Dr Jerip also hoped that parents in the rural and interior areas would put great emphasis on their children’s education.

Meanwhile, the assistant minister commended Yayasan Sarawak for its instrumental role in assisting students from needy families, who excelled in their education.

“Yayasan Sarawak is a visionary when it comes to developing education in the state, including helping those from less fortunate families.”

Dr Jerip also hoped that Yayasan Sarawak could increase the value of the uniform voucher, currently worth RM100, in view of the rising prices of goods.