Too soon or just right?: Early school entry policy draws mixed views

KUCHING (Jan 21): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s announcement that children will be allowed to enter Year 1 at age six and preschool at age five starting in 2027 has drawn mixed reactions from the public, with many weighing the implications on readiness and early childhood development.

The policy shift unveiled on Tuesday is being hailed by some as a progressive move that could better align Malaysia’s education system with international standards.

Others, however, are calling for comprehensive guidelines and support measures to ensure younger children are not subjected to academic pressure before they are developmentally prepared.

Executive Siti Aisyah Ramli, 38, welcomed the initiative as a positive step that aligns formal education with early learning.

She noted that many children today already undergo structured learning through preschool and kindergarten, which prepares them socially and mentally for Year 1.

However, she stressed that the policy must be implemented with flexibility and care.

“Not all children develop at the same pace, and readiness should not be measured solely by age.

“Adequate teacher training, child-friendly curricular and parental discretion are essential to ensure that young learners are nurtured rather than pressured,” she said.

“And with the right support system, this initiative has the potential to strengthen the foundation of our future generation without compromising their emotional well-being.”

She added that the optional nature of the policy allows parents to decide whether their child is ready for Year 1.

“If parents feel that their child is ready academically, emotionally and socially, then enrolling them in Year 1 can be a positive step.

“However, if a child requires more time, parents may choose to continue with kindergarten as usual, without pressure,” she said.

Physiotherapist Arrone Jap, 42, raised concerns over whether the education system is prepared for the change.

While he agreed that parents should decide whether or not their child is ready to start Year 1, he cautioned that the policy could lead to younger children entering preschool.

“The stress generally falls on the teachers, while parents worry,” he said.

He emphasised the need to carefully consider the children’s ages, particularly their birth months, to minimise potential issues.

Daniel Ling Shii Ngie, 45, said the policy allowing six-year-olds to enter Year 1 starting 2027 should be implemented only after thorough consideration and study.

“While this aligns with practices in other countries, children’s readiness varies by family background and environment.

“Not all six-year-olds are ready for structured formal learning,” said the engineer.

He suggested that the Year 1 curriculum be flexible, play-based, and less academically pressured to match early childhood development needs.

“Without proper approaches, children risk emotional stress, loss of interest, and wider achievement gaps.

“The new policy also raises teaching challenges, requiring specialised early childhood training, resources, facilities, and workload adjustments to maintain quality,” he said.

Following the announcement by the Prime Minister, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek clarified that the initiative is optional, prioritising children and parents who are psychologically and emotionally ready.

Diagnostic tests will assess readiness, and implementation will be gradual, focusing first on those who are prepared.

The policy announcement coincided with the launch of the National Education Plan 2026-2035 in Putrajaya.