Introduction of Preschool Entry at Age Five from 2027 lauded

24 January 2026

KENINGAU: The announcement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on the introduction of preschool entry at the age of five and Year One entry at the age of six from 2027 has been warmly welcomed, and is seen as being in line with the country’s early childhood education needs.

Former Excellent Headmaster of Sekolah Kebangsaan Pasir Puteh, Keningau, Yazid Mohd Hasnan Tawik@Charles, said the policy was timely and appropriate in addressing the increasingly complex challenges of early childhood education, which require a more systematic and integrated approach.

He said early education forms a crucial foundation in shaping children’s character, social skills, literacy and numeracy before they progress to formal schooling.

“This move is also consistent with the launch of the National Education Plan 2026–2035, which emphasises the strengthening of early childhood education as a key pillar in the development of the nation’s human capital,” he said in a statement today.

Yazid also described the Government’s decision not to make full implementation compulsory in the first year as prudent and realistic, as it takes into account the level of readiness of pupils, parents and existing facilities, particularly in rural and interior areas.

He said the phased approach would allow all stakeholders to make thorough preparations without compromising children’s access to education, especially in areas facing infrastructure constraints.

At the same time, he expressed support for efforts to place the entire preschool system under the Ministry of Education (MOE) to ensure nationwide standardisation of curricula, teacher training and infrastructure provision.

“This alignment is important to guarantee equitable quality in early childhood education across the country, regardless of location or socio-economic background,” he said.

However, he stressed that several key preparations must be given serious attention, including the addition of classrooms and preschool centres, sufficient placement and training of preschool teachers, provision of conducive basic facilities, particularly in rural areasand the implementation of parental awareness programmes on the importance of early education.

Yazid, who is also Chairman of the Bingkor Community Welfare Association, expressed confidence that with coordinated commitment from the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Economy, as directed by the Prime Minister, the policy changes can be implemented effectively.

“This effort is vital to ensuring a stronger future for the nation’s education system and to producing a competitive Malaysian generation,” he said.