RM55.5 Million Allocated for Perpaduan Childcare Centres and Kindergartens in 2026 | KiddyNews

Strong Commitment to Early Childhood Education

The Madani Government has allocated RM55.5 million for Taska Perpaduan childcare centres and Tabika Perpaduan kindergartens nationwide for the 2026 school session, reaffirming its commitment to accessible and quality early childhood education.

National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang announced the allocation while officiating the Santuni Murid Tabika Perpaduan – Kembali ke Tabika Perpaduan programme at Tabika Perpaduan Seroja in Bandar Baru Salak Tinggi, Sepang.

Funding to Support Children and Ease Parents’ Financial Burden

Aaron said the allocation is aimed at supporting students’ learning needs, fostering motivation to attend school, and easing the financial burden on parents — particularly families from lower-income backgrounds.

The funding breakdown includes:

• RM24.39 million for Supplementary Food Assistance
• RM20 million for upgrading and renovating Tabika Perpaduan facilities
• RM3.5 million for the Per Capita Grant
• RM2.29 million for starter kits such as uniforms, backpacks, blankets and towels
• RM1.93 million for teaching, learning and safety equipment
• RM359,640 for insurance coverage

These provisions ensure children have a safe, supportive and well-equipped learning environment from the start of the school year.

Free Early Education for Thousands of Children Nationwide

Aaron stressed that Taska and Tabika Perpaduan are government-owned centres that provide free early childhood education, with no compulsory fees charged to parents.

On the first day of the 2026 school session:

• 33,307 children aged four to six were enrolled in 1,781 Tabika Perpaduan nationwide
• 998 children aged two to four were registered at 41 Taska Perpaduan centres

This wide reach highlights the role of Perpaduan centres in ensuring equitable access to early education across communities.

New Preschool Curriculum to Emphasise Unity and Values

Aaron said Tabika Perpaduan will begin implementing the new Preschool Curriculum this year, with a strong focus on instilling unity, respect and love from an early age.

The curriculum aligns with the ministry’s nation-building goals, aiming to nurture children with a strong sense of patriotism and empower them as future agents of social change.

Rukun Negara and Multilingual Learning Modules Strengthened

Special modules such as Rukun Negara education will be aligned with the new curriculum, alongside third-language programmes including Tamil, Mandarin, Iban and Kadazan, implemented by the Department of National Unity and National Integration (JPNIN).

These initiatives are designed to promote mutual understanding, cultural appreciation and social harmony from the preschool years.

Investment in Teacher Quality and Early Education Standards

The allocation also supports professional development and capacity building for Perpaduan nursery teachers and educators, strengthening the quality of early childhood education services nationwide.

Aaron said improving educator professionalism is key to ensuring children receive consistent, meaningful and high-quality learning experiences during their formative years.

Source:

New Straits Times  – “RM55.5 million allocated for Perpaduan childcare centres, kindergartens”

The Sun  – “Malaysia allocates RM55.5 million for Perpaduan childcare centres”

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