The Fight for Education: Sabah’s Stateless Children and Alternative Schools

KOTA KINABALU, Feb 28 — An estimated 300,000 marginalized children in Sabah remain excluded from formal education, forcing many into street life, child labor, or crime.

Recognizing the dire situation, Marilou Salgatar Chin, who runs an employment agency in Kota Kinabalu, took action in 2012, founding Stairway to Hope, an alternative school that educates 250 to 500 children annually.

“Without structure, these children fall into unhealthy habits or even crime. This is not the life I want for them,” she told Malay Mail.

Despite multiple threats of closure, Stairway to Hope eventually secured a tuition centre licence—but remains unrecognized as a school.

The Role of Alternative Learning Centres (ALCs)

Stairway to Hope is just one of hundreds of ALCs in Sabah. A 2016-2017 UNICEF study identified 170 ALCs, but estimates suggest there are over 400. These centres range from small community-run schools to Indonesian-backed institutions, but none follow Malaysia’s education syllabus or receive official support.

A 2002 amendment to the Education Act 1996 restricted access to government schools for undocumented children. While some policy changes in 2019 allowed certain undocumented children (with one Malaysian parent) to enroll, the majority—including those from stateless or migrant families—remain excluded.

“Sabah used to be more flexible,” said Anne Baltazar, founder of Advocates for Non-Discrimination and Access to Knowledge (ANAK). “Now, non-citizen children need passports and must pay higher fees, which most families can’t afford.”

The Challenges ALCs Face

ALCs operate without Education Ministry support, leaving them vulnerable to closures, funding shortages, and lack of accreditation.

“Without MOE accreditation, these centres can be shut down anytime,” Baltazar said. In 2019, Hope Learning Centre in Penampang was forced to close after a decade, leaving 500 children without education. Similar closures occurred in Keningau and Semporna, disrupting education for Bajau Laut children.

With no formal recognition, ALC students lack access to higher education or job opportunities. Many also face the risk of immigration raids and deportation.

Calls for Policy Reform

Advocates urge the government to review policies on stateless and undocumented children to prevent long-term socio-economic consequences.

“If formal schooling isn’t an option, at least create a clear registration process for ALCs,” Baltazar suggested.

Unicef Malaysia’s education specialist Azlina Kamal emphasized that education should not be determined by migration status.

“Every child deserves a recognized curriculum and a path to higher education,” she said, calling for systemic reforms.

Chin echoed this sentiment, warning that neglecting these children will only lead to future social and economic issues.