Kuala lumpur: 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.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, KEMAS 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 an 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, as stated in a statement today.
The department added that it 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 August 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 further strengthened with the implementation of special early education programmes like ‘Tunas Istimewa’ and ‘Pra Tahfiz’, which have received a positive response from the community. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Higher Education (KPT) stated in a separate announcement that it is committed to achieving the 13MP goals as the key leader in driving the country’s higher education.
The ministry will intensify efforts to strengthen governance and rationalise the functions and roles of educational institutions. It aims to 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.
The ministry also called for institutions of higher education, agencies, industries, and communities to collaborate in ensuring the success of the 13MP for a brighter future for Malaysia.