MoE weighs centralising Malaysia’s preschool management as it plans 1,040 new classes by 2027

KUALA LUMPUR, July 7 — In a major expansion of early childhood education, the Ministry of Education (MOE) plans to roll out 1,040 new preschool classes by 2027, marking a key milestone for the Madani government’s five-year tenure.

According to the MOE, the initiative, launched in 2023, reflects the government’s commitment to expanding early childhood education and ensuring no child misses out on quality learning, regardless of their location or background.

“These efforts highlight the Madani Government’s determination to boost early education and satisfy the increasing demand for preschools,” the ministry noted in a written response on the Parliament portal today.

The ministry issued the data in response to Zahir Hassan (PH-Wangsa Maju), who asked for current figures on preschool enrolment and classrooms, as well as plans to streamline management.

As of May 31, the ministry is operating 10,491 preschool classes nationwide, benefiting 217,026 students.

According to the MOE, the initiative is also supported by the Department of Community Development (KEMAS), which operates 10,536 kindergartens with an enrolment of 204,412 children, and the Department of National Unity and Integration (JPNIN), which runs 1,781 Tabika Perpaduan classes with an enrolment of 34,008 children.

Overall, a total of 22,808 preschool classrooms were operating nationwide under the ministry and JPNIN as of May 31, accommodating 455,446 children aged between four and six, according to the official statement.

It said that the expansion of new preschool classes is being systematically carried out through construction projects under the Five-Year Malaysia Plan, as well as by expanding classes in existing schools based on local demand and enrolment projections.

A dedicated committee, including representatives from the MOE, the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development, and the Ministry of National Unity, has been formed to conduct a comprehensive review of the move to bring all state preschool management under a single central ministry, it said.

“This research is not an isolated initiative; rather, it is designed to align with the core objectives of the Malaysian Education Blueprint 2026-2035 and the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), both of which focus heavily on expanding access, equity, and overall quality in education,” it stated.

According to the ministry, one of the key priorities currently being addressed is improving the quality of early education by implementing the 2026 Preschool Curriculum, which aims to close the learning gap among children.

Before finalising any plans, the MOE is reviewing several key areas within its integration study, including policy and legislation, staffing, funding, infrastructure, curriculum, and day-to-day operations. — Bernama