JOHOR BAHRU: The number of non-Chinese pupils studying in Chinese primary schools is on the rise over the past ten years.

Ministry of Education statistics show that non-Chinese pupils at Chinese primary schools made up 11.84% of total enrollment in 2010.

The percentage has since increased from 11.84% in 2010 to 19.75% in 2020.

Johor Baru Tiong Hua Association president Ho Sow Tong said non-Chinese parents were aware of the importance to learn the language and had sent their children to Chinese schools.

He was of the view that since non-Chinese were aware of the importance of the language, Chinese Malaysians should place emphasis on the language, too.

“They should improve their command of the language,” Ho said during a dialogue organized by the education committee of Johor Baru Tiong Hua Association for Chinese language societies at Johor Bahru secondary schools.

More than 100 secondary school students attended the dialogue.

A total of 32 Chinese language societies at secondary schools in Johor Bahru received RM500 each from the association to organize events centered on Chinese language and culture.

Ho encouraged secondary students to sit for the Chinese paper in SPM as an added advantage for them.