New Preschool Curriculum and Education Plan as MOE’s Top Priorities for 2026 | KiddyNews

The Ministry of Education (MOE) has identified the rollout of a new preschool curriculum and the launch of a national Education Development Plan as its two main priorities for the 2026 school year.

Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said 2026 will be a pivotal year for Malaysia’s education system, marking the return of the academic calendar to January and the early introduction of the revised preschool curriculum, ahead of its original 2027 timeline.

“The ministry’s primary focus is the implementation of this new preschool curriculum. Our second key priority is the Education Development Plan, which will be launched in January,” she said during the Ceria ke Sekolah programme organised with the ERM Foundation in Bandar Tun Razak.

Strengthening Foundations from Preschool

The early rollout signals the government’s intention to strengthen learning foundations from the preschool level, recognising the importance of early childhood education in shaping long-term academic, social, and emotional development.

Fadhlina said the new curriculum is part of broader efforts to ensure children enter formal schooling better prepared, confident, and supported — particularly as Malaysia aligns its education reforms with future national needs.

Easing the Back-to-School Burden for Families

Beyond curriculum reform, the minister highlighted the importance of financial support initiatives in helping families cope with rising education-related costs.

At the Bandar Tun Razak event, 800 students received school aid, with approximately 5,000 students in the constituency expected to benefit overall.

“These initiatives help ease the financial burden on parents and ensure children are ready to begin the school year with confidence,” she said, adding that such efforts reflect the Madani government’s commitment to protecting children’s educational welfare.

Community and Private Sector Support

Also present at the event were Bandar Tun Razak Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and the Prime Minister’s political secretary Datuk Azman Abidin.

Dr Wan Azizah described the programme as a collective effort to support families in need, thanking ERM Foundation for its continued commitment to children’s education.

ERM Foundation founder Xin Er said the initiative provided RM300 in financial aid and school supplies to each of the 800 students, with plans to continue the programme annually.

What This Means for Parents and Children

For parents, the early introduction of the new preschool curriculum offers greater clarity and confidence about their children’s early learning journey, while financial assistance helps reduce back-to-school stress.

For children, the reforms aim to create a smoother transition into formal schooling, with stronger foundations in learning, emotional readiness, and overall well-being, setting the stage for a more supportive and inclusive education experience in the years ahead.

Source:

Malay Mail  – “Fadhlina: New preschool curriculum, education plan top MOE priorities for 2026”

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