Preschool Compulsory Now? This is What Parents Need to Know About Malaysia’s Education Reform | KiddyNews

Malaysia is moving ahead with significant reforms to early childhood education, including plans to make preschool compulsory for children aged five, as part of broader national education changes.

The move is anchored under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) and the National Education Blueprint 2026–2035, with the aim of strengthening children’s foundational learning before they enter primary school.

Preschool to Become Mandatory at Age Five

Under the proposed policy, all children will be required to attend at least one year of preschool starting at age five.

The government says compulsory preschool will help ensure children develop essential early skills in language, numeracy and social interaction, areas where teachers have observed gaps among pupils entering primary school.

By making preschool universal, the policy also seeks to reduce inequalities in early learning access, particularly for children from rural and underserved communities.

How the Policy Developed

The idea of compulsory preschool was first outlined in the 13MP, which identifies early childhood education as a key driver of long-term national development.

The plan prioritised expanding preschool access and improving quality nationwide. In November 2025, the Education Ministry confirmed it was studying the technical and operational aspects of making preschool mandatory for five-year-olds.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has since reaffirmed the government’s commitment to implementing the policy.

New Age Structure for Early Education

Under the revised framework:

Preschool (Prasekolah): Compulsory at age five, with all children expected to enrol for at least one year

Year One: Entry age lowered to six beginning in 2027, with parents given the option to delay enrolment until age seven if they feel their child is not ready

Parents are not compelled to send children to Year One at six, but preschool attendance at age five is expected to become standard.

Why the Change is Being Accelerated

The Prime Minister said the policy was initially planned for implementation in 2029 or 2030 but has been brought forward to support Malaysia’s education and national development goals.

Government data and feedback from educators indicate that some children enter primary school without the basic readiness expected at that level, a gap the government believes compulsory preschool can help close.

Child Readiness Remains the Priority

Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek stressed that the reforms are not designed to push children academically too early.

She said the ministry will use readiness assessments to guide transitions into primary school, ensuring decisions are based on a child’s emotional, cognitive and learning development.

The early admission of six-year-olds into Year One, she added, is intended to prioritise children’s welfare and wellbeing, not competition or academic pressure.

Preparing Preschools and Schools Nationwide

To support the changes, agencies such as KEMAS have begun upgrading preschool facilities and strengthening teacher capacity.

The Prime Minister has also directed the Finance Ministry and the Economy Ministry to expedite improvements to basic infrastructure. Meanwhile, the Education Ministry has carried out early mapping to identify schools likely to face higher enrolment demand, with steps taken to hire contract teachers and plan additional classrooms.

Not a Trial, But a National Policy

Fadhlina clarified that the initiative is not a pilot project but a national policy to be implemented in a controlled and phased manner.

Only children assessed as ready will be offered early entry into Year One, with emotional and psychosocial support provided to ease the transition into formal schooling.

She also emphasised that Malaysia’s overall education structure will remain unchanged, with students continuing to complete six years of primary education and five years of secondary education.

For parents, the reforms place preschool at the heart of a child’s learning journey — reinforcing its role not just as childcare, but as a critical foundation for confident, healthy and ready learners entering primary school.

Source:

Malay Mail  – “Is pre-school compulsory now? What parents need to know about Malaysia’s new school reform”

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