KUCHING – Preschools across Sarawak are expected to undergo significant adjustments following the Ministry of Education Malaysia’s decision to allow children as young as six to enter Year One beginning in 2027.
The policy, announced recently, provides parents with the option of enrolling their children in Year One at six years old or keeping them in kindergarten until the age of seven. While not compulsory, the move is anticipated to have wide-ranging implications for early childhood education providers in the state.
Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, Sarawak Minister of Women, Children and Community Wellbeing and Chairperson of the Sarawak Early Childhood Development Council (MPAKS), explained that the policy could reshape enrolment patterns in both TASKA (nurseries) and TADIKA (kindergartens).
She noted that if many parents opt for early enrolment, the number of six-year-olds in kindergartens will decline, directly affecting operations, staffing needs, and financial sustainability.
She cautioned that reduced enrolment could impact the income of preschool operators and potentially lead to fewer job opportunities for teachers.
“If the majority of parents choose to send their children to Year One earlier, the number of six-year-old students in kindergartens is expected to decrease significantly, thus directly impacting operations and teaching staff requirements,” she said during a press conference after the MPAKS meeting.
At present, most parents prefer the traditional approach, placing children aged zero to four in TASKA and those aged four to six in TADIKA. Many remain concerned about whether six-year-olds are academically, emotionally, and socially ready for primary school.
To address these challenges, MPAKS is exploring integrated licensing that would allow TASKA and TADIKA to operate within the same premises.
Shared facilities such as kitchens, play areas, and administrative spaces could help reduce costs and strengthen continuity in children’s learning. This model would also encourage collaboration among educators in managing developmental issues.
Fatimah emphasised that the ministry and MPAKS are committed to preparing Sarawak for the transition. Strategic planning will include land use considerations, operational guidelines, and support for preschool operators to adapt to the new landscape.
She stressed that the well-being of children remains the top priority, and any adjustments must ensure that their physical, emotional, and social development is safeguarded.
The policy shift, while optional, represents a significant milestone in Malaysia’s education system and requires careful coordination to balance parental choice with the sustainability of early childhood education providers.
The coming years will be crucial for Sarawak’s ECCE sector, as stakeholders work together to ensure that preschools remain resilient and capable of supporting both children and educators through the changes ahead.
