The Ministry of Education aims to open 300 new preschool classes by 2027 as part of efforts to improve access to early childhood education across Malaysia.
Education Minister YB Fadhlina Sidek said the target would bring a total number of new preschool classes opened between 2023, and 2027 to 1,040 classes.
She said the expansion is the government’s efforts to provide children nationwide with wider and fair access to quality, free early education. The move is also part of preparations for children to enter Year One at the age of six.
Over 455,000 Children in Preschool Education
As of 31st May 2026, three government agencies were operating a combined 22,808 preschool classrooms, that has 455,446 children aged between 4 and 6. The Education Ministry currently operates 10,491 preschool classes, benefiting 217, 026 pupils nationwide.
Meanwhile, the Community Development Department (Kemas) operates 10,536 kindergartens involving 204,412 children, while the National Unity and integration Department manages 1,781 Tabika Perpaduan, serving 34,008 children.
YB Fadhlina said this effort between different ministries and departments is aimed to ensure children across the country have access to early education.
How New Preschool Locations Are Chosen
The ministry plans to increase the numbers of preschool classes through the construction of new facilities under the Five-Year Malaysia plan and by opening additional classes in existing schools.
A few factors are considered when choosing locations, including the number of eligible children, demand within the local community, available facilities, the distance to nearby early education centres, infrastructure sustainability, currently enrolment figures and future development in the area.
Meanwhile, a special committee involving the Education Ministry, Rural and Regional Development Ministry, National Unity Ministry, and other stakeholders has been formed to study the proposal of placing preschool education under a single ministry. The study will cover policies, laws, staffing, finances, assets, infrastructure, curriculum, and daily operations before a final decision is made.
YB Fadhlina also said one of the priorities now is the Preschool Curriculum 2026, which aims to reduce learning gaps and provide children with a stronger foundation before they begin primary school.
Sources: NST
