13MP: KEMAS Ready To Implement Steps To Make Preschool Compulsory From Age Five

KUALA LUMPUR, July 31 (Bernama) -- The Community Development Department (KEMAS) is prepared to implement crucial measures under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), which makes preschool education compulsory from the age of five.

KEMAS said the announcement also aligned with the efforts and commitment as instructed by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, to the department.

“KEMAS also welcomes the tabling of the 13MP by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, which directly included KEMAS preschools in the initiative to build, repair and upgrade educational facilities.

“As the early education implementing agency that has been operating for the past 55 years, KEMAS will take immediate measures in line with several actions being taken to strengthen the preschool learning ecosystem," it said in a statement today.

It added that KEMAS has mobilised comprehensive action plans to upgrade and repair all KEMAS preschool premises nationwide from early this year.

The KEMAS registration process for preschool intake for the 2026 session is currently open and will close on Aug 31.

“So far, KEMAS handles 10,567 preschool classes and 546 childcare centres, involving over 200,000 preschool children under the guidance of nearly 11,000 trained educators.

“This effort is strengthened with the implementation of special early education programmes like ‘Tunas Istimewa’ and ‘Pra Tahfiz’, which continue to get positive response from the community,” it added.  

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Higher Education (KPT) said in a separate statement that, as the key leader in driving the country’s higher education, the ministry is committed to playing a comprehensive role in achieving the 13MP goals.

“The ministry will intensify efforts to strengthen governance; rationalise the functions and roles of educational institutions; increase educational success; enhance the competency and efficiency of educators; boost investment in education; promote lifelong learning; and empower the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) ecosystem.

“In line with the thrust of MADANI Malaysia, the KPT will continue to implement policies and initiatives centred on noble values and the people’s needs,” it added.

The ministry also urged all parties - institutions of higher education, agencies, industries and communities - to join forces in ensuring the success of the 13MP for a brighter future for Malaysia.

-- BERNAMA