Bangkok: The Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) is set to reassess the salary scheme for Community Development Department (Kemas) teachers, with the aim of enhancing their roles and safeguarding their welfare, as stated by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing and appropriately structuring the welfare aspects of Kemas teachers, including allowances, promotion opportunities, social protection, and recognition.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid noted the necessity of uplifting educators to achieve outstanding results in child development, stating, “To raise outstanding children, we must start by uplifting their educators. We cannot expect extraordinary results if our teachers are only provided with the bare minimum.” During the launch of the Kemas Educators’ Day celebration, he called for a comprehensive and phased strategic improvement plan for Kemas educators. The event was also attended by KKDW secretary-general Datuk Muhd Khair Razman Mohamed Annuar and Kemas director-general Datuk Mohd Hanafiah Man.
Ahmad Zahid expressed optimism that with continued support, focused training, and a supportive work ecosystem, Malaysia could foster more dynamic and competitive Kemas teachers, who are pivotal to community education in the country. He also announced KKDW’s plan to establish at least one kindergarten for children with special needs in every district by 2027, under the Tabika Tunas Istimewa@Kemas initiative, starting in Melaka this year.
Additionally, Ahmad Zahid introduced the Smart Classroom@Kemas project, a pilot initiative aimed at integrating digital advancements into the early childhood education system. His vision includes establishing at least one smart kindergarten in every district by 2026, and he expressed hope for the early incorporation of skills-based education, such as technical and vocational education and training (TVET).
Highlighting other Kemas achievements, Ahmad Zahid took pride in the graduation of 61,032 young huffaz through the Kemas Pre-Tahfiz Programme at 4,229 centers. He labeled this program as a significant accomplishment in the early childhood education system, which started with 100 kindergartens in 2023 and has rapidly expanded. By 2026, the goal is to involve over 9,700 Tabika Kemas centers with the participation of more than 145,000 young huffaz, surpassing the initial target of 140,000.
Kemas currently operates 10,567 kindergartens and 577 nurseries nationwide, providing early education and care to 221,012 children from various backgrounds.