Preschool Starts at 5yo, Standard 1 at 6yo & Other Major Education Reforms M’sians Should Know

Starting in 2027, preschool education will begin at the age of five, while Standard 1 will begin at the age of six.

He explained that the changes are not yet mandatory for parents, to give space for various parties to prepare for the new educational environment, especially educators.

The matter was confirmed by Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who unveiled the 10-year plan in the National Education Plan 2026-2035 today (20 January) in Putrajaya. The education reform aims to build a fairer, more competitive future for children based on strong values.

Standardised assessment for Standard 4 students

Additionally, he also announced that students in Standard 4 will take a new standardised assessment starting this year, which will be administered by the Malaysian Examination Board (LPM).

The assessment will include five subjects, namely Mathematics, Bahasa Melayu, English, Science, and History.

“Why must we wait until Standard 6? We can give the children two years to improve themselves, before they move forward to Form 1.”

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All students to sit for Bahasa Malaysia and History during SPM

Anwar also mentioned that all schools of various educational streams, including international, religious, and Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) streams, are required to take the Bahasa Melayu and History subjects in the Malaysian Certificate of Examination (SPM).

The Prime Minister mentioned that through this move, the controversy regarding the language issue will be resolved, so the issue regarding entry requirements to public universities will no longer arise from now on.

Free education for students with disabilities

On the other hand, Anwar added that students with disabilities (OKU) will receive free education, effective today.

Stay tuned as we keep you updated.

Also read: “Stricter discipline, better prospects” – M’sian Entrepreneur Shares Why She Enrols Daughter in SJKC