KUALA LUMPUR: The Education Ministry will pursue legal action only as a last resort if parents fail to comply with the upcoming Secondary School Compulsory Education Policy.

Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said that under amendments to the Education Act 1996 (Act 550), which will be tabled in the next Dewan Rakyat session starting June, the ministry will first focus on advocacy, awareness, and the government's responsibility to provide educational facilities and access.

The ministry will also ensure that all assistance under the Madani government reaches students.

"We have learned from managing the Primary School Compulsory Education Policy. Was there a law? Yes.

"Were any parents prosecuted? No, because we prioritised the most important process within the community first.

"We will ensure everything is in place before the law takes effect — only if there are gaps or negligence despite these measures being implemented," she said.

She said this during the Media Engagement Session on the Education (Amendment) Bill 2025: Extending the Compulsory Education Policy from Primary to Secondary Education today.

Also present were Education Ministry secretary-general Azman Adnan and media representatives, including Berita Harian group editor Zulkifli Jalil.

Fadhlina said that based on her experience and the ministry's under the Ziarah Cakna programme, where they visited the homes of students who skipped school, some parents still lack awareness of the importance of education for their children.