THE Ministry of Education (MOE) will begin a nationwide school reform programme next week, identifying 10 schools in every district as pilot institutions in a major push to strengthen Malaysia’s education system.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said each district would select five primary schools and five secondary schools to be elevated as model institutions through the reform initiative.
The selected schools will receive allocations of up to RM100,000 each to implement improvement programmes and reforms based on their own needs, priorities and proposals.
“As announced, each district will have 10 schools selected, five primary schools and five secondary schools, which must become schools recognised as the best in their respective districts.
“Our offer is up to RM100,000 for each school to carry out various changes and reforms within the school to make it significantly better,” she said.
Fadhlina said the initiative was aimed at raising education standards, enhancing student development and strengthening teachers’ professionalism and expertise through reform plans designed by the schools themselves.
Speaking at the Prime Minister’s meeting with Ministry of Education personnel, she stressed that meaningful reform would require deeper changes beyond improving physical facilities.
“For example, wanting to install air-conditioning in all schools or having smart boards in every classroom, that is not reform.
“Reform is about the change in culture, the change in ecosystem and the change in mindset that must be developed by the entire school community to elevate these schools into the best institutions,” she said.
The programme will also address wider aspects of school wellbeing, including strengthening teaching methods, supporting mental health and tackling bullying to ensure improvements across the education ecosystem.
Meanwhile, the Education Ministry said preparations to receive six-year-old pupils entering Year One next year are progressing smoothly, with several infrastructure projects already completed ahead of schedule.
Fadhlina said the progress reflected the strong commitment of relevant stakeholders to ensure schools are ready before the new academic session begins.
“Our infrastructure preparations to welcome six-year-old children into Year One next year, several projects have already been completed ahead of schedule.
“I thank the KSU and the team who have worked tirelessly to ensure our preparations to welcome these children, especially in terms of infrastructure, have progressed very well,” she said.
She added that the ministry would visit schools where projects had been completed early to assess their readiness and implementation.
Preparations involving teachers and other operational requirements are also under way to ensure a smooth transition for younger pupils entering primary education.
Fadhlina said the ministry continues to receive enquiries and registration applications from parents seeking early admission for six-year-old children into Year One.
“I would like to thank parents for placing their trust in the Ministry of Education. So far, enrolment and registration remain popular, and we continue to receive enquiries from parents who wish to send their six-year-old children to Year One,” she said.
Last month, the media reported that 73,386 children had applied for early admission into Year One at the age of six for the 2027 academic session.
Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh said 405,033 seven-year-old children had applied for Year One admission for the following school year.
The total number of applications reached 478,419 pupils, representing a 12.07 per cent increase compared with 2026 enrolment figures following the implementation of the policy allowing six-year-old children to apply for early entry into Year One.- July 28, 2026
