B40 Children Prioritised as Free Preschool Classes Expand Nationwide | KiddyNews

Children from low-income B40 households will be given priority access to Education Ministry preschools as the government steps up efforts to expand free early childhood education and prevent children from falling behind from a young age.

The Dewan Rakyat was told that the move reflects the Education Ministry’s commitment to strengthening preschool access as part of its broader education reform agenda.

Free Preschool Expansion to Support Early Development

Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh said the expansion of free preschool classes is aimed at ensuring more children, particularly from vulnerable backgrounds, can benefit from structured early learning.

He said the initiative is focused on addressing gaps at the earliest stage of education, where timely support can have a lasting impact on a child’s development.

The ministry’s approach includes the annual expansion of preschool classes, especially in areas with high demand, to create more opportunities for enrolment among B40 families.

Hundreds of New Preschool Classes Added

Wong said that in 2025, a total of 150 preschool classes were added, followed by a planned expansion of 350 additional classes in 2026 across various institutions nationwide.

With this expansion, the total number of Education Ministry preschool classes will reach 10,514, operating across 6,469 schools and educational institutions.

He added that preschool classes are not limited to primary schools, but are also available in secondary schools, vocational colleges, matriculation colleges and Institutes of Teacher Education.

Currently, 214,122 children are enrolled in preschools under the Education Ministry.

Facilities and Teachers to Be Strengthened

Addressing concerns about readiness following new education initiatives, including the early admission of six-year-olds into Year One, Wong said immediate steps are being taken to enhance infrastructure and staffing.

In the short term, new preschool and school facilities will be built using the Industrialised Building System (IBS) to ensure faster completion.

Existing facilities will also be optimised, although the ministry acknowledged that some schools may require additional infrastructure.

Ensuring Enough Trained Teachers for Young Learners

To meet teaching needs, Wong said a special intake of teachers will be carried out in collaboration with the Education Service Commission as an interim measure.

For long-term planning, intakes for the Bachelor of Education Programme and the Postgraduate Diploma in Education Programme will be increased, based on updated projections prepared by the ministry.

The measures aim to ensure that as preschool access expands, children continue to receive quality early education supported by trained educators and adequate facilities.

Source:

The Star  – “B40 children to get priority in free preschool class expansion”

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