The Ministry of Education is considering standardising school uniforms nationwide to eliminate colour variations between schools, a move aimed at promoting unity among students and easing the financial burden on families.
Director-General of Education Dr Mohd Azam Ahmad said the proposal is the result of a comprehensive review that began in September, involving consultations with multiple stakeholders and an assessment of all related factors, according to Utusan Malaysia.
He said having school uniforms in too many colours does little to foster a sense of unity among students.
“Uniforms with excessive colour variations do not encourage unity. There is concern that from a young age, children are being taught to emphasise differences and competition,” he was quoted as saying.
Dr Mohd Azam said a final decision on the proposal is expected to be announced by August 2026, with phased implementation likely to begin in 2027, starting with Year One and Form One students.
He noted that some schools currently require uniforms featuring more than seven colours, as well as different T-shirts for various activities and additional items such as blazers and vests.
Such requirements, he said, can create difficulties for students who transfer schools during the academic year and add unnecessary financial pressure on parents.
“Cosmetic elements that do not contribute to students’ education should be avoided, especially when they result in costs that parents should not have to bear, making schooling unnecessarily expensive,” he said.
The ministry, he added, is also mindful of parents’ financial constraints, particularly those with multiple school-going children preparing for the new school term.
Dr Mohd Azam said decisions related to uniforms, including the non-compulsory use of ties, should be implemented gradually through consensus between schools and parent-teacher associations, while also taking into account student comfort in Malaysia’s hot climate.
