KKDW Strengthens KEMAS Early Education With Focus On Technology, Religion

KUANTAN, Aug 16 (Bernama) -- The Rural and Regional Development Ministry (KKDW) will continue to strengthen the transformation of early childhood education under the Community Development Department (KEMAS) by combining values and religious education with technological skills to meet the needs of future generations.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said changes to the national education system, including lowering the school starting age from seven to six, have increased the importance of early education through KEMAS kindergartens (Tabika) and childcare centres (Taska).

The Rural and Regional Development Minister said KEMAS education must keep pace with technological advances, including wider implementation of Smart Class and the use of smartboards in its kindergartens.

“After six decades of serving the community, KEMAS must enter a new phase and continue to evolve with the times without losing sight of the fundamentals of human development,” he said in a statement after attending the Pahang KEMAS Community Engagement Programme in Bera today.

Also present were Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail and former prime minister and Bera MP Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

He said the federal government, state governments, MPs and state assembly members must work more closely to provide technological facilities.

Ahmad Zahid also proposed expanding the memorisation program in KEMAS-run kindergartens from next year as part of efforts to strengthen religious education.

“In addition to memorising surahs (chapters) from Juzuk (part) 30 (of the Quran), KEMAS children will also be guided to memorise Surah Yasin, Al-Waqiah, Al-Mulk and As-Sajdah,” he said, stressing that KEMAS teachers must first master the memorisation skill to ensure it is implemented in a structured and effective manner.

He also thanked the Pahang state government for its continued support for KEMAS, including initiatives to secure land titles and grants for its Tabika and Taska premises, as well as funding for renovation and improvement works.

Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid emphasised that political stability, cooperation across all levels of government and a willingness to embrace reform were crucial to advancing early childhood education more systematically and comprehensively.

“After 60 years of building communities from the grassroots, KEMAS must not only preserve its legacy but also be ready to shape a new generation with strong values and identity, technological literacy and the ability to compete in an increasingly challenging world,” he said.

KEMAS Tabika and Taska have served about 8.4 million children since their establishment, demonstrating the department’s longstanding contribution to early childhood education nationwide, he added.

-- BERNAMA