NEP to close learning gaps

THE Government is set to unveil a comprehensive education reform blueprint tomorrow, with the launch of the National Education Plan (NEP) 2026–2035 (Rancangan Pendidikan Negara (RPN) 2026–2035), a national strategy designed to bridge long-standing gaps in school infrastructure, technology access, and the overall quality of learning.

Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the plan is grounded in a vision to reduce educational disparities across the country, strengthening physical school facilities, promoting proficiency in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), and improving internet connectivity, which she described as “the foundation for fairer and more equitable educational opportunities.”

“When we succeed in closing the existing gaps, I am very confident that the quality of our national education can be significantly improved,” Fadhlina told reporters after participating in an interview segment with Hot FM at Media Prima’s Balai Berita today.

The RPN, which will be formally launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, encompasses the entire educational ecosystem from primary and secondary schools to higher education institutions.

Coordinated jointly by the Ministry of Higher Education and the Ministry of Education, the plan reflects the MADANI government’s commitment to a high-quality, integrated, and globally competitive education system.

Fadhlina highlighted that the strategy would also tackle inequalities in students’ access to the internet, a persistent barrier to learning.

“The issue of unequal internet access for students is often raised. With this plan, that gap will be reduced, allowing children to gain brighter opportunities in education,” she said.

The minister added that the NEP will place strong emphasis on language development, reinforcing Malay and English as core subjects while expanding instruction in Arabic, Mandarin, and Tamil to provide additional value for students.

Fadhlina stressed that the success of the NEP hinges on an inclusive approach, involving all stakeholders, including parents, teachers, students, and local communities.

“The NEP will only succeed if all communities work together to implement it, with the shared goal of elevating the standing and quality of our national education system,” she said. - January 19, 2026