On 8 September 2023, students in SMK Convent Kajang were given a directive outlining the traditional attire they could wear for the school's Merdeka or Malaysia Day celebration. An officer from the Office of the Deputy Education Minister, Ministry of Education (MoE) stated that the allegations by students being disciplined for wearing traditional attire for a National Day event at the school is under the investigation of the Selangor Education Department. He further stated that, a statement will be issued once the probe is completed.
According to the claim by a news portal:
- the students were barred from wearing sarees at an event meant to foster unity;
- a student said those who wore sarees were instructed to provide their names to the discipline teacher which were recorded in the personal student record known as "Sistem Sahsiah Diri Murid" (SSDM);
- the student said that Indian students were previously told to remove their mauli or kavala, a holy thread and those who want to wear it are required to get permission. The red-coloured thread is customarily worn on the right wrist for males and the left wrist for females.
Further information, kindly access the news from, "School's disciplinary action against students for wearing Sarees", Nation, The Star which was published online on 20 September 2023.
