MOE Plans 1,040 New Preschool Classes by 2027, Studies Centralised Preschool Management | KiddyNews

Expansion Aims to Improve Access to Quality Early Childhood Education

The Ministry of Education (MOE) plans to establish 1,040 new preschool classes by 2027 while exploring the possibility of placing Malaysia’s preschool system under a single central ministry s part of efforts to strengthen early childhood education nationwide.

The initiative, which began in 2023, reflects the Madani Government’s commitment to expanding access to quality preschool education and meeting growing demand, particularly for children from different locations and backgrounds.

More Than 455,000 Children Enrolled Nationwide

As of May 31, the MOE operates 10,491 preschool classes serving 217,026 children.

The ministry said preschool education is also supported by:

• KEMAS, which operates 10,536 kindergartens with 204,412 children enrolled.
• The Department of National Unity and Integration (JPNIN), which runs 1,781 Tabika Perpaduan classes serving 34,008 children.

Together, the three agencies manage 22,808 preschool classrooms, providing early learning opportunities for 455,446 children aged four to six nationwide.

Centralised Management Under Review

The MOE also revealed that a special committee comprising representatives from the ministry, the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development, and the Ministry of National Unity has been formed to study the feasibility of placing all government preschool management under one central ministry.

According to the ministry, the study supports the goals of the Malaysian Education Blueprint 2026–2035 and the 13th Malaysia Plan, which prioritise greater access, equity and quality across the education system.

Before any decision is made, the committee will review key areas including legislation, policies, staffing, funding, infrastructure, curriculum and operational management.

Focus on Closing Learning Gaps

The expansion of preschool classes will be carried out through projects under the Five-Year Malaysia Plan, alongside additional classes in existing schools based on enrolment demand.

At the same time, the ministry said the implementation of the 2026 Preschool Curriculum remains a key priority, to improve the quality of early childhood education and narrow learning gaps among young children before they enter primary school.

Source:

Malay Mail – “MoE weighs centralising Malaysia’s preschool management as it plans 1,040 new classes by 2027”

Thoughtfully adapted by KiddyNews. Keeping parents and educators informed with the latest ECCE developments from Malaysia and beyond.