‘Fun learning’ urged as Malaysia moves to admit six-year-olds into Year One from 2027

Fatimah (centre) hands out certificates at the TOT Certificate Presentation Ceremony for TOY8 in Kuching on Jan 21, 2026. Photo: TVS

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Jan 22: Sarawak Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah has called for the admission of six-year-old children into Year One from 2027 to be implemented gradually, without excessive academic pressure, and guided by a “fun learning” approach.

According to a TVS news report, Fatimah said the transition from preschool to primary school must be managed carefully, as six-year-old children require time to adjust and should not be immediately burdened with overly academic learning.

“This is recommended because six-year-old children need to go through a gradual transition process and should not be directly overloaded with highly academic learning,” she said.

Fatimah stressed that enjoyable learning methods should continue to be emphasised, with greater focus on project-based activities and socialisation to help children adapt to a new environment.

“The ‘fun learning’ approach should be continued by placing emphasis on project activities and social interaction to support children’s adjustment to a new environment. This is important to ensure that learning in formal institutions remains engaging and not burdensome for pupils,” she told reporters after attending the Train of Trainer (TOT) Certificate Presentation Ceremony for TOY8 here yesterday (Jan 21).

Fatimah further noted that the approach also aligns with the concept of school readiness, which encompasses social, cognitive, physical and emotional development.

At the same time, she noted that the policy shift would have implications for kindergarten and childcare operators, as six-year-old children would no longer remain in preschool institutions.

“This issue will be discussed in detail in meetings with the Sarawak Early Childhood Development Council, involving kindergarten associations, preschool teachers and registered caregivers, to assess the impact of this change and the necessary adjustment measures,” she said.

On Tuesday (Jan 20), the federal government announced that beginning in 2027, children will enter Year One at the age of six, compared to the current practice of seven.

The move is in line with practices in developed countries, which typically set primary school entry at age six, and is aimed at strengthening early preparation for formal education. — DayakDaily