The option for six-year-old children to enrol in Year One is not a pilot programme to “test” them, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek told the Dewan Rakyat today.
The initiative, which will start voluntarily from the 2027 school session, is aimed at giving opportunities to children who are cognitively and emotionally ready to begin formal schooling earlier.
“Our children are not for laboratory tests, not lab rats. This is a policy we want to implement carefully,” she said. “That is why it will be phased, voluntary, and supported with diagnostic assessments.”
Fadhlina was responding to a question from Roslan Hashim (PN–Kulim Bandar Baharu), who asked about the rationale for allowing six-year-olds into Year One and whether empirical studies or impact assessments had been conducted before presenting the proposal to Parliament.
The minister stressed that seven years remains the standard school entry age, and there will be no compulsion on parents or pupils.
The policy forms part of the National Education Plan 2026-2035 under the 13th Malaysia Plan (2026-2030), aligning with international practices where primary schooling begins at six.
Fadhlina said the initiative will be implemented in a controlled, phased manner while the ministry continues to strengthen early childhood education by expanding preschool classes nationwide.
Acknowledging parental concerns about classroom space and teacher shortages, especially in urban areas, she said preparations are already underway. These include optimising existing facilities, adding classrooms in phases using the Industrial Building System method, and proactively addressing staffing needs through contract-of-service appointments alongside ongoing teacher training programmes.
She emphasised that the overall education structure will remain unchanged, with pupils still completing six years of primary and five years of secondary education.
