Kuala Lumpur:The Ministry of Education (MOE) has initiated a comprehensive mapping exercise to determine classroom requirements, aligning with projected targets and actual enrolment figures. This move is part of preparations for the early admission of six-year-olds into Year One, set to begin in the 2027 academic session.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Who outlined various strategies being employed to ensure adequate classroom facilities by January 2027, such as using the Industrialised Building System (IBS) for construction. While some constructions have been completed, others are still ongoing, with assurances that they will be ready by the start of the academic session.

Wong also mentioned that the ministry is optimizing the use of existing school spaces. This includes renovating and upgrading unused rooms to convert them into classrooms, addressing the growing demand for student accommodation.

He further addressed concerns regarding the construction status of a new hostel at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Libaran and the progress of the SMK Gum-Gum 2 project in Sandakan, Sabah. The SMK Gum-Gum 2 project is experiencing a delay, with physical progress at 5.67% against the scheduled target of 12.26%. The RM61.923 million project, approved under the 11th Malaysia Plan, is scheduled for completion by July 31, 2028.

The SMK Libaran hostel project, approved in 2021, is facing a site overlap issue with the Sabah State Health Department. Wong stated that the ministry has improved procedures for developing new schools to mitigate similar challenges in the future, including resolving site-related issues before proceeding with construction plans.