Maszlee: ‘Covid-19 generation’ literacy issues should not be overgeneralised

SHAH ALAM - Former Education minister Dr Maszlee Malik has cautioned against oversimplifying the growing concerns surrounding young students who struggle to recognise alphabets, read and write, stressing that the issue requires broader understanding and collective intervention.

He said challenges associated with the so-called “Covid-19 generation” should not be reduced to simplistic explanations or sweeping generalisations.

According to Maszlee, concerns over basic literacy difficulties have become increasingly linked to children whose formative learning years were disrupted during the Covid-19 pandemic.

He emphasised that addressing the problem requires coordinated support involving families, schools, communities and society as a whole, rather than placing responsibility on a single factor or group.

“The issue of young students struggling to recognise alphabets, reading and writing is often associated with what many describe as the ‘Covid-19 generation’.

“While this is a nationwide concern, it should not be overgeneralised as affecting all children. These cases do exist and are not entirely isolated, but they do not represent every student across the country,” he said in an interview with Sinar Daily.

Former Education minister Dr Maszlee Malik emphasised that addressing the problem requires coordinated support involving families, schools, communities and society as a whole, rather than placing responsibility on a single factor or group. - Photo: Edited via Canva

The former Simpang Renggam Member of Parliament (MP) said the government, state administrations and education stakeholders had already introduced various interventions and corrective measures to help affected students recover academically and regain lost learning progress.

He noted that similar initiatives had also been implemented at the state level, including in Selangor, alongside programmes carried out by the Education Ministry and other organisations.

Despite these efforts, Maszlee stressed that parents must take a more active role in supporting children who continue to struggle with literacy difficulties.

“For families still facing such challenges, it is important that parents engage seriously and proactively with schools and teachers, as there are genuine concerns about the long-term future of these children.

“At the same time, the current era of artificial intelligence (AI), the internet and digital technology may also provide opportunities for broader intervention and support.

“Assistance does not have to come solely from the authorities, but can also involve NGOs, volunteers, educators and the media. Addressing the issue requires collective effort rather than relying on a single institution or solution,” he added.

The former minister also addressed the frequent comparisons made between older and younger generations of students, particularly the belief that stricter teaching methods in the past produced better discipline and learning outcomes.

He acknowledged that there are differing views on whether the stricter approaches practised by earlier generations of educators were responsible for stronger student discipline in the past.

“Some believe earlier generations experienced stricter environments where light physical punishment was more common, creating a sense of fear that encouraged students to complete homework and listen to teachers.

“However, it would be an exaggeration and over generalising to assume that this alone explains current literacy challenges or that the issue can be simplified in such a way,” he warned.

Maszlee pointed out that today’s educational landscape is highly diverse, with children displaying very different levels of literacy and language development.

While some continue to struggle with basic reading and writing skills, others as young as three to five years old are already able to recognise letters, read and speak multiple languages fluently.

He attributed part of this development to exposure to digital platforms such as YouTube, Netflix and other online content, which can provide educational benefits when used appropriately.

“Although the negative effects of gadgets should not be ignored, the issue cannot be reduced to a single cause or solved with a one-size-fits-all approach.

“Educating children requires cooperation from the entire community, as it truly takes a village to raise and educate a child,” he said.