Fadhlina: Mandatory preschool plan set for 13MP

PUTRAJAYA: Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek says the government plans to make preschool education compulsory to curb early student dropout, as part of the country's wider education reform agenda.
She said the policy to make preschool education mandatory can no longer be delayed, despite challenges with infrastructure and teacher shortages, as it is key to improving the quality of the nation's education system.
"We already have the compulsory primary education policy, which we consider a success in achieving universal enrolment. Then, we have the upcoming secondary school education policy, which I am confident will bring significant benefits by ensuring children have access to secondary education.
"However, we want to start even earlier by making preschool education compulsory," she said in an interview with Utusan Malaysia.
Fadhlina said the policy to make preschool education compulsory will be implemented under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), once infrastructure and curriculum are in place.
The 13MP covers the period from 2026 to 2030.
Fadhlina also said the education ministry was targeting the implementation of single-session schooling across more than 10,000 schools nationwide by 2030.
"This, in turn, will create more space to conduct preschool classes," she said.
Fadhlina said one of the special projects at the ministry involves screening children with special needs, which will also be expanded to the preschool level.
"Pupils will be screened before entering the mainstream stream so that schools can identify whether they have conditions such as autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or other special needs — making it easier to customise classes accordingly," she said.
Fadhlina said classes for children with special needs will be extended to the preschool level to meet rising demand.
While the compulsory secondary education policy is being tabled in Parliament, the preschool policy is being finalised, she said.
Malaysia's education policy aims to provide inclusive, high-quality education that develops well-rounded individuals and prepares students for global challenges.

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The Star

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The Sun

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The Sun

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Govt Procurement Bill to strengthen enforcement