SIMANGGANG: Community and village chiefs (KMKK) are urged to play an important role in encouraging parents to prioritise their children’s education.
Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation, and Talent Development, Datuk Francis Harden Hollis, emphasised the need for parents to ensure their children regularly attend school, and refrain from truancy.
He expressed concern over the recent decline in student attendance at schools.
“This is deeply worrying as school attendance forms the foundation of student success.
“Absenteeism not only disrupts the learning process but also negatively impacts the school’s overall academic achievements,” he said when officiating at the Tiang Laju Excellence Appreciation Ceremony 2024 at SMK Simanggang here.
Harden called on KMKK to encourage parents to send their children to school daily.
“Collaboration between schools, parents, community, and students can significantly improve attendance issues.
“As the school’s motto says, ‘Adab Dulu Baru Ilmu’ (Manners First, Then Knowledge), it is essential to uphold this principle.
“Knowledge comes through learning, and character is shaped by mentorship,” he added, referencing the launch of the Parental, Community, and Private Sector Engagement Programme last July, describing it as a collective responsibility to be upheld.
The Tiang Laju Excellence Appreciation Ceremony this year celebrated the achievements of 229 SMK Simanggang students for their outstanding performances across various fields.
The Best Male and Female Co-curricular Personality Awards (mainstream) were awarded to Azel Tingang Isaac Stalin and Fadzlin Ashiqin Raduan, respectively.
However, Awang Abdul Qayyum Awang Rosti received the Sixth Form Co-curricular Personality Award, while Shafwan Rukaini Norazman received the Hopeful Student Award (mainstream).
Goh Rong Hao was honoured with the Exemplary Student Award (mainstream), and Manisha Teresa Macus received the Sixth Form Exemplary Student Award.
All recipients received certificates and cash incentives to encourage their success and inspire other students to achieve excellence.
Furthermore, Harden also announced an allocation of RM50,000 under the Rural Transformation Project (MRP) 2025 for SMK Simanggang’s Parent-Teacher Association (PTA).
The ceremony was attended by Sri Aman District Officer Shariff Bujang, Sri Aman District Education officer Abdul Rahman Muhiyuddin, administrative officer Mohaini Kassim representing the acting Sri Aman Division Resident, and SMK Simanggang principal Jaya Salleh.
