66 Preschool Classes In Educational Institutions To Meet Student Needs - Wong

IPOH, Feb 25 (Bernama) -- A total of 66 preschool classes have been placed in educational institutions under the Ministry of Education (MOE) so far, including one in the Teachers Education Institute of Malaysia (IPGM), said Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh.

Wong said this number also includes four at the vocational colleges, eight at matriculation, and 53 at secondary schools (Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan/SMK).

He said that under the MADANI Government, the MOE had decided to expand preschools to other institutions such as vocational colleges, SMK and IPGMs.

"I mean, if we provide preschool classes, these institutions can also meet the needs of those schools.

"There are children of educators and others who are given opportunities to enjoy or participate in MOE's preschool education at the institution," he said to reporters after officiating the 2026 Angpau Festival at the IPGM Ipoh Campus here today.

On Jan 22, Wong said the MOE had implemented an expansion of 150 preschool classes last year, and by this year, an expansion of 350 preschool classes involving various types of MOE institutions is expected to be carried out.

Additionally, Wong said that last year, the MOE had accommodated 220,000 out of approximately 370,000 preschool students, while the rest were accommodated by the Community Development Department (KEMAS), the National Unity and Integration Department (JPNIN) and private kindergartens.

“And what is important is that JPNIN, Tabika KEMAS (KEMAS preschools) and preschools under the MOE are under government agencies and ministries, and are free.

"Of course, for private kindergartens, they charge a fee, but all of this builds and also becomes an ecosystem for our early childhood education. What the MOE wants to achieve is to expand the preschool classes we have," he also said.

Meanwhile, regarding today's event, Wong said it is a programme that showcases the strength of the nation, a multicultural and multi-ethnic society, with participation from IPGM members featuring various performances including wushu, sketches and diabolo.

-- BERNAMA