Education group backs removal of diagnostic tests for six-year-olds, citing stress and inequality
PETALING JAYA: Scrapping diagnostic tests for five-year-olds seeking entry into Year One at age six will help reduce stress, foster inclusivity and allow schools to focus on holistic child development, said Malaysian Association for Education (MAE) secretary Hamidi Mookkaiyah.
Hamidi explained that entrance exams can be overwhelming for young children and often create unnecessary pressure. Removing them, he said, would encourage a healthier and more enjoyable learning environment for both pupils and parents.
“By eliminating these tests, schools can prioritise well-being over early academic competition,” he noted.
He added that such assessments often disadvantage children from lower socio-economic backgrounds or those with different learning styles, limiting equal access to education. “Removing entrance tests ensures inclusivity and equal opportunities for all,” he said.
Hamidi stressed that early education should emphasise social, emotional and cognitive growth rather than focusing narrowly on academics. He also called for reforms in classroom teaching, recommending that a general-purpose class teacher remain with pupils for most of the instructional time to better understand their strengths and weaknesses.
He urged the Ministry of Education (MOE) to increase teacher-to-class ratios and consider introducing teacher assistants, particularly for six-year-olds, to enhance classroom management and child-centred learning.
“These measures would strengthen early childhood education and create a more equitable schooling system,” he said.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim recently confirmed in Parliament that the government will not implement diagnostic screening tests for Year One admission, noting that while the proposal was well-intentioned, it could be discriminatory. Starting in 2027, six-year-olds may enter Year One voluntarily.
