Compulsory Preschool from Age 5 in Malaysia | KiddyNews

Starting soon, children in Malaysia may be required to attend preschool at the age of five. This is one of the big changes proposed under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) to help children get a better start in education and reduce learning gaps between different communities.

Experts say this move will help children be more ready for primary school by building their early skills in reading, writing, counting, and social development.

Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim, the Chairperson of the Parent Action Group for Education (PAGE), supports the idea. She said this new rule could give all children—no matter where they come from—a stronger foundation before entering Standard One.

However, she also pointed out that many rural areas still lack proper preschool facilities and qualified teachers. She believes the government needs to improve these areas first so that every child can benefit from this new rule.

She also stressed that the preschool curriculum should be suitable for young children, focusing on fun and interactive learning rather than heavy academic pressure.

The government is also planning to improve special education under this plan. New buildings and schools will be set up to support children with special needs, such as autism.

Julian Wong, Chairman of the National Autism Society of Malaysia (Nasom), welcomed this initiative. But he also highlighted that having just the buildings is not enough. These schools must also have the right environment, equipment, and trained teachers to truly support special needs students.

Source:  The Star — “Preschool a must from age of five,”