BY JACINTHA JOLENE & SHARIFAH NONG-JASIMA
KUCHING: The government’s plan to start preschool at age five and formal schooling at age six, under the National Education Development Plan (RPN) 2026–2035, could strengthen foundational learning for children but only if implementation focuses on quality.
Programme Coordinator for Master of Education in Learning Sciences at the UNIMAS Faculty of Education, Language and Communication, Chuah Kee Man, said starting preschool at age five aligns with international norms and the RPN’s goal of strengthening early learning.
He said well-designed and properly staffed preschools can support children’s cognitive, social, and emotional readiness and reduce early gaps, especially for those without access to strong home learning environments.
However, Chuah cautioned that the impact depends heavily on execution.
“If preschools become overly academic or exam-oriented, we risk pushing formal schooling pressures down to younger children, which can hinder healthy development.
“Readiness should be measured not only by literacy or numeracy but also by curiosity,” he told Sarawak Tribune.
One major challenge, he added, is ensuring the early childhood workforce is prepared.
“It will be a significant task for the government to provide preschools with enough qualified teachers who understand child development, particularly with the policy taking effect next year.
“We don’t want preschools functioning merely as ‘daycare’ centres with large student numbers but very few trained teachers,” he said.
Chuah also highlighted opportunities for inclusion.
“With more children in organised preschools, teachers can identify language delays, learning needs, or developmental concerns earlier and coordinate support with health and community services,” he said.
He urged higher education institutions, including Teacher Education Institutes, to re-evaluate current early childhood programmes.
“Universities like UNIMAS can also support professional development of teachers through certified courses, micro-credentials, and evidence-based training to prepare them for the revised preschool and Year One expectations,” Chuah added.
At the launch of the plan earlier, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said children in Malaysia will begin pre-school at the age of five and enter Year One at six starting in 2027.
However, Anwar stressed that the move will not be compulsory in its initial year, adding that parents will be given a choice if they feel their child is not ready.
