POVERTY has been identified as one of the causes of students dropping out of school, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said.

She said her ministry is working with civil society organisations to gather data and address the problem.

She said apart from her ministry, schools and teachers, other parties, such as parents and the community, should also help tackle the problem.

“We are concerned but not defensive. That is why we are working to address the issue. We are highly committed, and we are not alone in this because it is also done by civil society organisations and the community,” she told a press conference after the launch of the Beluru Island Comprehensive School (K9) in Tumpat today.

Fadhlina said comprehensive schools like K9 is one of the steps taken to overcome school dropout.

“SK Pulau Beluru is the first K9 school in Kelantan. This is one of my ministry’s initiatives to address school dropout. It will ensure that the children are in school from Year One to Form Three,” she said, adding that there are currently 19 such schools, including those in Pahang, Selangor, Perak and Sarawak. – Bernama, June 15, 2023.