Making preschool education mandatory for five-year-olds is a vital step toward preparing children for formal education and ensuring their overall well-being, according to Dr. Anuar Ahmad, Deputy Director of the Malaysian Inclusive Development and Advancement Institute (Minda-UKM).
Dr. Anuar emphasized that early childhood education lays the groundwork for literacy, numeracy, and personal development. “From an educational standpoint, this move is not only timely but necessary. It aligns Malaysia with practices already adopted in many developed nations,” he said.
He explained that preschool plays a critical role in closing early learning gaps, particularly in reading, writing, and counting—often referred to as the 3M skills. “These gaps are difficult to bridge if intervention only begins in Year 1, as the formal syllabus is already underway. Children without preschool experience start at a disadvantage,” he said.
Preschool education, he added, ensures that all students enter Year 1 with a more equal foundation, supporting smoother and more inclusive classroom learning.
Beyond academics, preschool offers early detection for learning difficulties and developmental challenges. “Not all children develop at the same pace. Trained preschool teachers can identify learning delays or exceptional abilities early, allowing for timely intervention before primary school,” he explained.
Dr. Anuar also highlighted preschool’s role in monitoring children’s health and nutrition. “Many parents, especially from disadvantaged backgrounds, may not realise their child is malnourished or experiencing stunted growth,” he said. “In preschool, children can receive nutritious meals like milk and breakfast, while teachers can spot signs of poor nutrition, dental issues, and other health concerns.”
The institution also acts as a safeguard for vulnerable children. “Preschool isn’t just about learning—it’s a protective environment. If a child shows signs of abuse or neglect, teachers are in a position to notice and act. Prolonged absences or behavioral changes trigger follow-ups, providing another layer of protection.”
He noted that in homes with abusive or inattentive parents, such issues might otherwise go unnoticed until serious harm occurs. Preschool offers an early warning system to support and protect at-risk children.
Dr. Anuar’s remarks follow Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s announcement in the 13th Malaysia Plan that preschool education will become compulsory at age five to strengthen educational outcomes nationwide.
