Students: Black shoes not a problem

‘They are easier to wear and keep clean’

PETALING JAYA: Students feel that it will be easier for them to wear black shoes and socks to school and keep them clean.

Ivan Chan Chun Hong, 16, said while dirt does not show up easily on black shoes and socks, students would still need to wash mud off.

“This will take more time to wash as the black shoes need to be made from canvas or synthetic material like nylon and polyester,” he said.

Ivan, who has been wearing black shoes as a school prefect for the past two years, said scrubbing footwear made of fabric took more time and effort.

He said his school had yet to issue any letter saying that students were required to start wearing black shoes and socks.

“But this could be because school has closed for the year,” he added.

In a circular, Education director-general Datuk Dr Amin Senin said from 2021, all school shoes and socks must be in black.

The shoes must be made from canvas or synthetic material such as nylon and polyester, which are highly absorbent and breathable.

The ruling is for primary and secondary students in government schools.

Marie Ashley Andrew, 16, said she had already bought black shoes for school next year because there were no more white shoes available in her size.

A check online showed that black school shoes cost between RM30 and RM40 a pair.

Parent Karen Kok said she had no problem with the new ruling as she believes black shoes are more durable and their soles thicker.

“If it is more lasting, then it balances out the cost. My son’s white shoes only last for six to seven months,” she said.

Asked about the use of black shoes and socks, educationist Prof Tan Sri Dr T. Marimuthu said: “I feel there are more important matters in regards to education.

“There is a need to review and overhaul the education system towards the needs of Industrial 4.0.”