The Ministry of Education (MOE) says it will continue holding meetings and consultations with private kindergarten and preschool operators as well as parents to clarify concerns about allowing six-year-old children to enter Year One in primary school.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the ministry remains open to hearing views and questions raised by all parties, including private preschool operators who have expressed dissatisfaction over certain aspects of the policy.
Fadhlina added that if there are still unresolved questions, KPM has no problem organizing further engagement sessions to ensure that every concern is addressed clearly.
Earlier media reports said MOE held talks with private kindergarten operators to discuss strategies for implementing the option for children aged six to start Year One under the new school curriculum set to begin in 2027. The Education Minister also thanked private preschool operators who have welcomed the policy and supported the ministry’s aspirations for its introduction.
Fadhlina clarified that the entry of six-year-old children into Year One is optional, not mandatory. Parents who feel their child is ready may choose to start Year One early, while others can continue with the usual preschool pathway.
Responding to concerns from parents particularly in rural areas, she noted that government primary schools will still accept six-year-olds into preschool programs as usual, and there is no pressure to move up to Year One ahead of schedule.
“The engagement sessions will continue. If there are matters raised by the community, it is the ministry’s responsibility to explain them so that every citizen can understand and accept this policy well,” Fadhlina said.
Source: BERNAMA
