ANALYSIS OF FACTORS INFLUENCING THE MASTERY OF READING SKILLS AMONG NATIONAL SCHOOL STUDENTS: A STUDY IN THE OK9 MANGGATAL ZONE, KOTA KINABALU

The Malay language is a cornerstone in the learning and academic development of students in national schools. A lack of proficiency in reading skills can hinder a student's academic achievement and lead to educational setbacks. This issue of academic underachievement is often closely related to various factors that prevent students from mastering reading skills effectively. Considering this, this study aims to analyze the factors influencing the mastery of reading skills among students in national schools within the OK9 Manggatal Zone, Kota Kinabalu. The study employs a qualitative approach, using semi-structured interviews as the data collection method, involving teachers and school administrators from several schools within the zone. Mastery of reading skills is considered a key foundation for academic success, and it is influenced by personal, family, school, and environmental factors. The findings of the study reveal two main factors contributing to the underachievement in reading mastery: endogenous factors (internal to the students) and exogenous factors (external factors such as family and school). The results of this study are expected to provide a deeper understanding of the primary factors affecting students' mastery of reading skills, while also offering recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of reading instruction in the schools involved. Furthermore, this study is hoped to serve as an important reference for educators, school authorities, and other stakeholders in planning and implementing more effective strategies to improve students’ reading skills in the future.