Karnival Bahasa Tamil Peringkat Kebangsaan Tahun 2026 (The National Tamil Language Carnival 2026) ended recently in Taiping, Perak, bringing some of the country’s best young Tamil language talents together while highlighting the government’s continued commitment to strengthen vernacular education in Malaysia.
The programme is organized by the Ministry of Education (MOE) and saw 230 participants qualify for the national-level competition after more than 20,000 students took part at the school level.
Negeri Sembilan had the overall champion of this year’s carnival. Deputy Education Minister YB Wong Kah Woh through a Facebook post, congratulated all the participants and described the event as another step forward in supporting mother tongue education.
He also referred to Education Minister YB Fadhlina Sidek’s recent speech at SJKT Ladang Labu Division 4 ceremony where she once again assured that vernacular education is still a important part of Malaysia’s national education system.
Continued Investment in Tamil Education
According to YB Wong, the Ministry of Education introduced a few initiatives over the past three and a half years to further develop mother tongue education. For the National Tamil Language Carnival 2026, a total allocation of RM455,800 was given, including a RM55,000 contribution from Perak State Executive Councillor Dato’ Sivanesan.
He also highlighted a few ongoing efforts to improve Tamil education such as
- RM50 million allocated in 2026 for the maintenance in SJKT schools
- RM12.8 million allocated for the furniture supply to Government-Aided SJKTs
- The Kalvi MADANI programme, started this month to help B40 students who are not proficient in reading, writing and arithmetic (3M). Supported by MITRA’s RM8 million contribution, the program helps 10,410 students.
YB Wong said there is more work to be done and called on everyone to continue working together for the future of Malaysian children and education system.
Selangor Named Overall Runner-up
The Selangor contingent received overall runner-up at the National Tamil Language Carnival 2026.
Among the Selangor winners are:
- Chaaran Raaj Rajasekar, Adithiya Vallauthaim and Tarahni from SMK Raja Mahadi, Klang, won 1st place in the Forum Remaja SMK Category.
- Ganesvaran Munusamy from SMK Tinggi Kajang, won 1st palace in Wartawan Muda T6 category
- Lenisha Sashini Lawrence Rajan from SMK Raja Mahadi, won runner-up in the Deklamasi Sajak SMK Category
- Yuvva Shriy Sunthar from SMK Raja Mahadi, won runner-up in the Melafaz Thirukkural SMK Category
- Thanusha Parthiban from SJKT Bestari Jaya, won 3rd palace in the SJKT Public Speaking Category
- Kaviyashree Murugan from SJKT Sungai Renggam, won 4th place in the SJKT Public Speaking Category
- Yeshmitha Murugan from SMK (P) Methodist Klang won 4th in the SMK Public Speaking Category
- Vinod Rajendren from SMK Tinggi Klang, won 5th place in the Wartawan Muda T6 category
- Yohan Prakash from SJKT Pusat Telok Datok, won 5th place in the Deklamasi Sajat SJKT category
The National Tamil Language Carnival will still continue to serve as a important platform to celebrate Tamil language and literature while helping students build confidence, critical thinking skills and good values.
Sources: Wong Kah Woh FB, Jabatan Pendidikan Negeri Selangor
