ALOR SETAR: Two pairs of identical seven-year-olds, though nervous about their first day of school, brought a special kind of delight to the school here when they showed up.
The two sets of twins were a pleasant surprise to teachers and members of the parent-teacher association (PTA) at SK Darulaman Heights in Jitra here when they arrived for their first day at school, which began in Kedah yesterday.
Muhamad Khairi Abu Bakar, 42, and wife Hamirah Abdul Rani, 39, were spotted accompanying daughters Nur Medina and Nur Madani, both seven, past the school gates.
The parents are staff members of the Royal Malaysian Air Force and live in the military quarters in Taman Tunku Sarina.
The other set of wide-eyed twins were Keisya Qistina and Kautsar Qaisarah, both also seven, led by father, car mechanic Mohamad Faizal Harris, 43.
The four kids were introduced to each other straight away.
Hamirah said she had prepared everything they needed for school since January.
She added that she spent almost RM2,000 to get her five school-going kids ready for the new term.
Mohamad Faizal estimated that he spent RM500 on his twins’ school necessities. He has five kids, aged seven to 16.
SK Darul Aman Heights PTA chairman Mohd Fauzul Abdul Rahman expressed joy at finding two pairs of twins starting out school there.
“They turned up the excitement and delight for our first day of school.
“They arrived as early as 7am and immediately headed to the morning assembly to join others for prayers and the briefing from teachers,” he said.
SK Darulaman Heights headmaster Burhanurdin Hasan, said 1,190 pupils were enrolled at the school for classes from preschool, Special Class (PPKI) to Year 6.
Kedah Education Department director Rozaini Ahmad visited SK Taman Uda in Alor Setar at 7.15am.
He said 334,426 students and pupils started their 2023/2024 schooling session at 752 schools – 204 primary schools and 548 secondary schools – in the state.
“A total of 30,613 students were enrolled in 548 primary schools, 29,240 students enrolled in 204 secondary schools including 154 national type secondary schools, and 13,667 students enrolled in preschool.
“We have morning sessions at 687 schools, afternoon sessions at two schools and morning plus afternoon sessions at 63 schools.
“A total of 149 new teachers will be placed in secondary schools, while 27 teachers will be placed in primary schools,” Rozaini said.
