Compiled by CLARISSA CHUNG, NG SI HOOI and R. ARAVINTHAN , November 28, 2017.

A TAMIL activist in Johor is walking 350km from Johor Baru to Putrajaya to protest against the implementation of the Dual Language Programme (DLP) in Tamil schools, Tamil Nesan reported.

S. Thiagu, a 27-year-old pharmacologist, said he was aware that one man walking may not bring about the desired change.

However, he hoped the effort will draw attention to the difficulties faced by Tamil schools and their pupils because of the DLP.

NGOs and supporters who gathered in front of the school in Skudai voiced their support for his effort and said while immediate change may not happen, raising awareness is the first step towards change.

The supporters said the DLP was implemented in 40 Tamil schools this year even though many of them did not meet the requirements.

The DLP allows selected schools to teach Science and Mathematics in English. It is offered to Year One, Year Two, Year Four and Year Five pupils, and Form One and Form Two students.

Thiagu is expected to reach Putrajaya on Dec 19.

The above articles are compiled from the vernacular newspapers (Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese and Tamil dailies). As such, stories are grouped according to the respective language/medium. Where a paragraph begins with a >, it denotes a separate news item.

Tuesday, 28 Nov 2017