Who to blame for decline of students in Tamil schools?

A Penang state assemblyman took the Indian community on social media to task for the continued decline of students in Tamil primary schools since there are quarters blaming political leaders and the government for the current imbroglio.

Bagan Dalam assemblyman K Kumaran also said that it is wrong to blame political leaders and the government for the dwindling numbers.

“There has been a decline in the number of students in Tamil schools with this year recording only 10,330 students nationwide,” said the DAP assemblyman.

“It is a warning belt. 37 schools have less than 10 students. Whose fault is this? Leaders, government or our own community? Ask yourself.

He pointed out that Tamil culture, language and identity can only be preserved via primary Tamil schools.

“I would not say sending your children to SK or SJKC is wrong. That is your choice

“But culture, language and identity is taught to our children only in Tamil schools and preserved.”

He added that the federal government allocated RM50 million for Tamil schools nationwide and in Penang, RM2.4 million is allocated for Tamil schools.

Kumaran also questioned how can a secondary Tamil school materialise when the number of students are on the decline.

“I have proposed to the state government to establish a Tamil secondary school but how can this be a reality when our numbers continues to shrink in Tamil schools?”

In 2023, there were 11,712 students. The year 2024 recorded 11,568 students.

In 2025, there were 11,021 students.