Over 10,400 preschool teachers have been deployed nationwide, with plans to open 300 new classes next year to meet demand.
KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 99.8 per cent of preschool teacher posts under the Education Ministry (MOE) have been filled as of July 1, with 10,478 teachers placed nationwide to meet the growing demand for early childhood education, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.
Deputy Minister Wong Kah Woh said from 2023 to 2025, a total of 1,202 new preschool teachers had been deployed, while the recruitment of additional teachers would continue to be carried out in phases and systematically, in line with projected increases in enrolment in various areas.
“To ensure the quality of preschool teaching and learning remains relevant, MOE has also strengthened service training, pre-service and in-service programmes to ensure they possess the qualifications and competencies aligned with early childhood education standards.
“These training programmes directly support the provision of quality learning facilities in every preschool class currently in operation,” he said when replying to a question from Hassan Abdul Saad (PN-Baling).
Wong added that as of May 31, the ministry had operated 10,491 preschool classes nationwide, benefiting 217,026 pupils.
He said the selection of locations for the opening and expansion of classes was based on a comprehensive assessment of several critical factors, including the number of children within the eligible age group and local demand.
Responding to Hassan’s supplementary question on whether MOE was prepared to set clear targets and timelines to ensure every eligible child had access to government preschool education, he said the ministry was targeting the opening of another 300 classes next year.
He said this would bring the total number of classes opened and targeted over the next five years to 1,040.
Wong added that for six-year-old children who had yet to have the opportunity to attend preschool, the ministry would continue expanding preschool classes while collaborating with State Education Departments, the Community Development Department (KEMAS) and relevant agencies to improve access to preschool education.
