Parents may enrol children in preschool from age five, Primary 1 from six starting next year

File photo for illustration purposes only. Photo credit: Pixabay

By Ashley Sim

KUCHING, Jan 20: Parents will have the option to enrol their children into preschool from the age of five and into Year One of primary school from the age of six starting next year, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said today.

He said the move is part of reforms under the National Education Development Plan (RPN) 2026–2035, aimed at strengthening early childhood education while allowing flexibility for parents based on their children’s readiness.

“Starting next year, preschool will begin at age five, and Year One at age six,” he said in his speech at the launch of the National Education Development Plan (RPN) 2026–2035 at Dewan Perdana, Putrajaya International Convention Centre.

However, Anwar stressed that the policy will not be made compulsory initially, acknowledging that some parents may feel their children are not yet ready to enter formal schooling at a younger age.

“We are not yet ready to make this mandatory. There may be parents who feel their children are not prepared,” he said.

He said parents will continue to have the option of enrolling their children into Year One at the age of seven, while the government encourages early preparation through preschool education.

“We encourage parents who are ready to begin from now, so that children aged five attend preschool,” he said.

Anwar added that the government will place greater emphasis on strengthening the preschool system, with the Education Ministry tasked with coordinating and aligning all preschool programmes nationwide.

“The entire preschool system will be strengthened and aligned under the Education Ministry, beginning at the age of five,” he said.

To support the transition, Anwar said the government has instructed relevant ministries to accelerate preparations, including improving facilities and increasing allocations where necessary.

“Preparations must be expedited. Facilities and basic infrastructure will be enhanced to support this policy,” he said.

The Prime Minister said the gradual approach reflects changes in children’s development and learning readiness over time.

“Children today mature differently compared to previous generations. Our education system must adapt to the demands of the times,” he said. — DayakDaily