SHAH ALAM, Jan 22 — The government has assured parents and teachers that the planned voluntary Year 1 entry at age six will be implemented in a phased and carefully managed manner, amid concerns over classroom space and teacher availability.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said additional classrooms would be built gradually using the Industrial Building System, while teacher supply would be strengthened through proactive recruitment and training programmes.
“To ensure schools are ready for the implementation of six-year-old student intake in 2027, the Education Ministry will optimise existing school infrastructure.
“Any additional facilities, such as classrooms, will be built gradually using the IBS, based on local needs and conditions.
“Teacher requirements will also be addressed proactively through special contractual hiring, while long-term needs for trained educators will continue to be met through the Bachelor of Education and Postgraduate Diploma in Education programmes,” she said during the Minister’s Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat today.
During the launch of the National Education Blueprint 2026-2035 on Tuesday (January 20), Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that preschool education would start for children aged five, while Year One would be open to six-year-olds beginning next year, although on a voluntary basis.
Following the announcement, many parents and teachers have taken to social media to raise concerns about the schools’ readiness to implement the policy.
Fadhlina added that early enrolment would be limited to developmentally ready children who pass diagnostic assessments, and psychosocial support will be provided to ensure a smooth transition.
The existing structure will also remain unchanged, with six years of primary education and five years of secondary education.
“The welfare and readiness of the children are our priority. This is not a race; it is about foundational learning,” she said, while also encouraging MPs to help communicate the policy positively.
