Bera: The Rural and Regional Development Ministry (KKDW) is set to enhance the transformation of early childhood education under the Community Development Department (KEMAS) by integrating religious education with technological skills to align with future generational needs.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi emphasized the increased significance of early education through KEMAS kindergartens (Tabika) and childcare centres (Taska) due to modifications in the national education system, including the reduction of the school starting age from seven to six.
The Rural and Regional Development Minister highlighted the necessity for KEMAS education to keep up with technological progress, mentioning the broader implementation of Smart Class and smartboards in its kindergartens. Dr. Ahmad Zahid stated, "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," following his attendance at the Pahang KEMAS Community Engagement Programme in Bera.
The event was also attended by Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail and former prime minister and Bera MP Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob. Dr. Ahmad Zahid underscored the need for collaboration between the federal government, state governments, MPs, and state assembly members to provide necessary technological facilities.
He further proposed expanding the memorisation program in KEMAS-run kindergartens starting next year to bolster religious education. He explained that in addition to memorising surahs from Juzuk 30 of the Quran, children would also learn to memorise Surah Yasin, Al-Waqiah, Al-Mulk, and As-Sajdah, ensuring that KEMAS teachers first master these memorisation skills for structured and effective implementation.
The Deputy Prime Minister expressed gratitude to the Pahang state government for its continued support for KEMAS, acknowledging initiatives to secure land titles, grants for Tabika and Taska premises, and funding for renovations and improvements.
Moreover, Ahmad Zahid stressed the importance of political stability, cross-level government cooperation, and readiness to undertake reforms as vital components for advancing early childhood education systematically and comprehensively. He remarked, "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."
Since its inception, KEMAS Tabika and Taska have served approximately 8.4 million children, underscoring the department's longstanding contribution to early childhood education nationwide.