SMJK is part of the mainstream of national education and focuses on providing education to Chinese students. The schools receive partial funding from the Ministry of Education and are managed by the Malaysian Ministry of Education, overseeing aspects such as curriculum, teaching staff, and student enrollment. However, the school boards are formed according to the requirements of the Ministry of Education, while the ownership of the school premises remains with the original owners.

A distinct feature of these Chinese National Schools is the inclusion of Chinese language subjects as compulsory subject within the national curriculum, which was a commitment made by the government during the restructuring period. Additionally, these schools have their own mottos, school songs, school emblems, and uphold the traditional ethos of Chinese schools.