No Child Will Be Rejected Under Optional Year One Entry, Says Education Minister | KiddyNews

Ministry Plans at Maximum Capacity to Support Six-Year-Old Intake

Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek has assured parents that no child will be rejected under the new policy allowing six-year-olds to enter Year One, saying schools are prepared and planning has been done based on maximum capacity.

Speaking in the Dewan Rakyat, Fadhlina said the Ministry of Education (MOE) is fully ready to manage demand, stressing that every child who registers on time will be accommodated.

“Our preparations are based on maximum capacity. There will be no situation of who is rejected and who is allowed in,” she said.

Entry at Six Is Optional, Not Compulsory

Fadhlina reiterated that Year One entry at age six is optional, and parents are free to decide what is best for their child.

Parents who choose to enrol their six-year-old directly into Year One do not need to register their child for preschool. The ministry, she said, guarantees school places for all eligible children and is committed to honouring that promise.

Support Measures for Private Preschools

Acknowledging the impact of the policy on early childhood providers, Fadhlina said MOE is planning by age cohort and has introduced measures to help private kindergartens adapt.

One key move is allowing private kindergartens to enrol three-year-olds, instead of being limited to four- and five-year-olds previously.

“This allows private kindergartens to continue having at least two cohorts of pupils, as before,” she said, adding that alignment across age groups is crucial as the new intake begins.

Schooling Duration Remains Unchanged

Fadhlina stressed that the new policy does not alter the total years of schooling for children.

Whether a child enters Year One at six or seven, they will still complete six years of primary education and five years of secondary education, in line with the existing structure.

“There is no additional year at primary level and no negative impact on their overall education pathway,” she said.

Preschool Capacity Being Expanded Nationwide

To support flexible entry and early learning access, the government is expanding preschool facilities.

There are currently 10,514 preschool classes across 6,469 institutions. An additional 150 classes were added in 2025, with 350 more planned for 2026, subject to financial capacity.

Government preschools under MOE, Kemas and the National Unity and Integration Department can accommodate 110,889 children, with private preschools continuing to absorb part of national enrolment.

Fadhlina thanked private kindergarten operators for their continued role in supporting early childhood education.

Preparing for the 2027 Six-Year-Old Cohort

Looking ahead to 2027, the ministry will prioritise the optimisation of existing school infrastructure. Some schools may operate two sessions, depending on enrolment patterns and facility readiness.

In suitable cases, special-purpose rooms will be converted into classrooms. New classrooms will be added progressively using the Industrial Building System (IBS), based on local needs.

Addressing Overcrowding Concerns

Responding to concerns raised by lawmakers about overcrowded schools, particularly in densely populated areas such as Selangor, Fadhlina said registration data will guide decisions on where additional classes can be opened.

If a school reaches full capacity, nearby schools will be used instead.

“After registration begins, we will have a clearer picture of how to arrange and distribute capacity,” she said.

Reassurance for Parents

For parents weighing their options, Fadhlina’s message was clear: the system is being planned holistically, with flexibility, infrastructure readiness and children’s wellbeing at the centre of decision-making.

“No child will be left out,” she said.

Source:

The Star  – “No kids will be rejected, says Fadhlina on six-year-olds at Year One intake”

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