Kuala Lumpur: The National Unity and Integration Department (JPNIN) is encouraging parents of all ethnic backgrounds to consider enrolling their children in Tabika Perpaduan, a preschool initiative designed to foster interethnic understanding from an early age. Although open to all communities, enrolments remain overwhelmingly Malay, with department figures showing they made up nearly 77 per cent, or 26,835 out of 34,889 pupils, as of February.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, JPNIN director-general Datuk Che Roslan Che Daud said the kindergartens aim to serve as a foundation for national unity, incorporating structured lessons on values such as mutual respect and the principles of the Rukun Negara alongside the standard curriculum. He acknowledged that there may still be misconceptions about the purpose and inclusiveness of the programme, with some assuming the schools cater only to Malays.

Che Roslan stated, “That’s not true. The word Perpaduan (unity) itself reflects inclusivity. It is open to all and we want to correct this misunderstanding,” during a press conference following the 2025 Teacher’s Day celebration for Tabika and Taska Perpaduan. Currently, Chinese and Indian students account for 1.3 per cent and 5.6 per cent of total enrolment respectively, with the remainder from other ethnic groups, according to official data.

JPNIN is collaborating with the Education Ministry to explore expanding the programme’s reach and integrating its unity-focused module into other registered preschools. Additionally, outreach efforts will be increased, including public awareness campaigns and engagement at the state level to help ensure more balanced participation.

Che Roslan emphasized, “We believe the best way to nurture unity is to start young, which is why we’re urging all communities to be part of this effort.”