CONCERNS have emerged regarding the declining birth rates among ethnic Chinese and Indians in Malaysia and its potential impact on the future of Tamil medium schools in the country.
These concerns, shared by Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Tzin and the Penang Hindu Association (PHA) underscore a demographic shift that could jeopardise the existence of these educational institutions.
Historical records acknowledge the presence of Indian and Chinese communities in Malaya prior to the colonial era, but it was during the 19th and 20th centuries that significant migration occurred, largely driven by British colonial policies.
The influx of labourers for rubber plantations and tin mines propelled economic growth, with rubber and tin serving as pillars of prosperity.
According to PHA president P. Murugiah, this era saw a surge in Indian and Chinese populations, who settled permanently, established communities and founded vernacular schools to preserve their cultural and linguistic heritage.
However, the demographic landscape has evolved, raising concerns about the future of Tamil schools. Statistics reveal a declining birth rate among ethnic Chinese and Indians, with the latter experiencing a gradual decrease in population percentage from 7.3% in 2010 to 6.6% in 2023.
PHA fears that if this trend continues, the future of Tamil schools in Malaysia may be jeopardised as many SJKT (Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Tamil) schools may become ‘Sekolah Kurang Murid’ or schools with low enrolment, which would provide grounds for them to be closed and the pupils to be relocated.
Moreover, PHA identifies changing social dynamics, particularly attitudes toward marriage and family planning as key factors driving population decline.
Many young individuals, prioritising career advancement and financial stability, delay or forgo marriage altogether. Economic pressures further deter marriage and child-rearing, particularly among financially insecure segments of the population.
In response to these challenges, PHA proposes initiatives to promote marriage and larger families within the Indian community.
“As a Hindu based NGO (non governmental organisation), PHA has been collaborating with Sri Meenakshi Sundaraeswarar Temple, Penang, to organise a programme called ‘Suyamvaram’, which in Tamil literally means a ‘matchmaking event’.
“This non-profit programme is specifically for marriage-minded Hindus who are single, divorcees (with or without children), widowers/widows (with or without children) and also for single parents and the physically challenged Hindus.”
Noting the cultural and historical significance of Tamil and Chinese schools, PHA advocates for concerted efforts to preserve these institutions.
“PHA believes that the establishment of Tamil and Chinese schools form a substantial part of our historical and cultural heritage in Malaysia and everything within our means needs to be done to sustain and maintain that history and the survival of these schools.” – Feb 14, 2023
Main photo credit: FMT
