The Ministry of Education (MOE) will implement a targeted expansion of preschool classes and primary school classrooms nationwide to ensure the education system is prepared for the voluntary enrolment of six-year-old pupils into Year One beginning in 2027.
Education Minister, Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek said the move forms part of the initiatives announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the launch of the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2026–2035 yesterday.
She explained that the initiative is aimed at providing parents with greater flexibility by allowing children who are developmentally ready to begin primary education earlier.
“This option is not being introduced hastily. The decision will be based on each child’s readiness, as determined through established diagnostic screening assessments,” she said in a Facebook post today.
Fadhlina stressed that the overall structure of Malaysia’s schooling system will remain unchanged, with six years of primary education followed by five years at the secondary level, and completion of upper secondary education at the age of 16.
According to her, the ministry is currently increasing the number of preschool classes across the country, alongside plans to provide additional classrooms and supporting infrastructure in a targeted manner.
“The need for additional teachers is also being addressed proactively to ensure that the implementation of this initiative does not affect the quality of education delivery,” she added.
-EDUCATION TVET ASIA