Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says voluntary Year One enrolment at age six aims to improve education quality and provide early formal schooling exposure.
KEPALA BATAS: The government’s move to allow voluntary enrolment of Year One pupils at the age of six from next year should not be viewed purely in a negative light, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He stressed that it must be seen in the context of improving the quality of the nation’s education, particularly in providing early exposure to formal schooling.
“For example, in most countries around the world, children begin Year One at the age of six,” he said when speaking at the opening of the Guar Kepah Archaeological Gallery.
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He explained that children aged five this year can be sent earlier to preschool so they are ready after one year.
Anwar said that if children are given the opportunity and early exposure, they can become more capable learners, which could help elevate the country.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister said the Guar Kepah Archaeological Gallery must be fully utilised to attract local and foreign tourists.
He said the gallery should also serve as a platform to spark the interest of young people in learning about history and archaeology.
Anwar also proposed that the area surrounding the gallery be expanded to allow its local potential to be fully harnessed.
The gallery is a state-of-the-art facility built on the site of a historic shell midden excavation.
It was developed through a strategic collaboration led by the Northern Corridor Economic Region, together with Universiti Sains Malaysia and the Penang Chief Minister Incorporated.
Also present at the event were Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir and Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar were also in attendance. – Bernama
