IPOH: The number of pupils at Chinese primary schools in the country is reducing by 20,000 each year, said Deputy Minister of Education Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon.

The number of pupils at Chinese primary schools dipped below 500,000 this year due to mushrooming of private and international schools, he said at a dinner celebrating the 125th anniversary of Perak Hokkien Association on the future of Chinese education in the country.

Mah said he had received many applications from missionary schools to convert to private schools or international schools.

The missionary schools were farsighted, he said.

“We need to be aware that parents want quality education for their children. If we are unable to offer quality education, we will lose out no matter what we say.

“Let us work together for Chinese education, whether we are the ruling government or the opposition.

“Do what we should do and give our best,” he said.