Preschool will start at age five and Year One at age six from next year, says PM Anwar, with the changes not yet mandatory.
PUTRAJAYA: Starting next year, preschool education in Malaysia will begin at age five, while Year One will start at age six.
The announcement was made by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who clarified that the changes will not yet be mandatory for parents, allowing time for all parties — especially educators — to prepare for the new learning environment.
He said this during the launch of the National Education Plan 2026–2035 here today.
“In the past, children were eligible to enter school at the age of seven. But now, even at the age of five, our children are showing different levels of maturity, in line with changing times and demands,” he said.
He added that eligibility for entry into Year One at age seven will be retained, but parents are encouraged to send ready children to preschool at five.
Anwar also announced an allocation of RM100 million to upgrade staff rooms across the country.
He noted that over 30% of staff rooms are currently in uncomfortable and unsafe conditions, which impacts teacher well-being and motivation.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the national education ecosystem comprehensively.
This covers curriculum, assessment, infrastructure, and teachers’ welfare to produce a knowledgeable and competitive generation.
The new National Education Policy (RPN) 2026-2035 was launched today, involving the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Higher Education.
It integrates the Malaysian Education Blueprint and the Malaysian Higher Education Blueprint for continuity from school to higher education.
Earlier on Facebook, Anwar said the blueprint is a reform aimed at building a fairer, more competitive future for children grounded in values.
The government had previously allocated RM66.2 billion to the Education Ministry under Budget 2026.
This increased allocation focuses on school infrastructure, student assistance, food programmes, and teacher development.
