AS the nation prepares to implement early Year One enrolment for six-year-olds in 2027, education experts have expressed confidence that the Ministry of Education (KPM) has carefully considered potential challenges, including classroom congestion.
Associate Professor Dr Wan Marzuki Wan Jaafar, Dean of the Faculty of Educational Studies at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), said the ministry’s decision is likely underpinned by detailed enrolment data, projected student populations, and nationwide school infrastructure readiness.
“Classroom overcrowding, or what has sometimes been referred to as ‘sardine schools’, is indeed a serious issue,” he told Harian Metro. “However, I believe this matter has already been addressed within the ministry’s planning framework.”
Dr Wan Marzuki highlighted several measures that could be strengthened to ensure a smooth transition.
These include the phased addition of classrooms, optimisation of existing facilities, strategic recruitment and deployment of teachers, and collaborative efforts between federal and state governments to develop new schools in high-demand areas.
“This policy should be viewed within a broader framework to guarantee equitable access to quality education,” he said. “Early education not only supports children’s cognitive and social development but also forms a critical foundation for the nation’s human capital.”
He described the move as a strategic and forward-looking initiative, aligned with government and ministry aspirations to enhance early educational access.
“I fully support the ministry’s efforts, as they align with the goal of building a high-profile education nation, advancing towards high-income status, and nurturing a socially, economically, and psychologically well-rounded society,” he added.
The policy was announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the launch of the National Education Plan 2026-2035.
Under the new framework, preschool education will begin at age five, while entry into Year One at age six will be optional.
Minister of Education Fadhlina Sidek confirmed that only children who meet the eligibility criteria, determined through a special diagnostic assessment, will be allowed to commence Year One at six years old starting in the 2027 school session.
The announcement reflects Malaysia’s commitment to long-term educational planning, balancing the need for earlier access with careful consideration of infrastructure and resource management to ensure quality learning environments for all students. - January 24, 2026
