PLANS are underway to streamline the syllabus and curriculum across all preschools and kindergartens nationwide, including those operated by the private sector and other public agencies, the Dewan Rakyat was informed.
Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh urged kindergartens and preschools to proactively register with the ministry to adopt the syllabus and curriculum it provides.
“This is because the ministry’s syllabus represents the mainstream education stream and helps pupils to transition smoothly into primary school and Year One,” he said in response to a question from Salamiah Mohd Nor (PN-Temerloh) during the oral question session yesterday.
Wong added that engagement sessions have already been held with kindergartens under the Community Development Department (Kemas), which is overseen by the Rural and Regional Development Ministry.
These sessions aim to standardise the curriculum, teaching staff, and qualifications for Kemas kindergartens to bring them under the Education Ministry’s umbrella.“Pasti kindergartens operated by PAS are still not registered with the ministry and do not adhere to the existing curriculum.
“We hope that engagement sessions will ensure that Pasti’s curriculum is aligned and complies with the ministry’s standards,” he added.
Wong said the ministry is actively restructuring the preschool system and intervening in the curriculum to address learning gaps among young children.
To tackle issues such as student dropouts and improve early literacy and numeracy skills, preschool classes will be expanded in all educational institutions under the ministry.
Wong made these remarks in response to Aminolhuda Hassan (PH-Sri Gading), who asked about the new syllabus that will be in effect by 2027.
He revealed that the Curriculum Intervention Task Force, part of the Education Reform initiative, is tasked with narrowing learning gaps among pupils.
“One of the initiatives under Curriculum Intervention is the Early Detection of Literacy and Numeracy among Year One pupils.
“This assessment, conducted during the first three months of Year One, identifies pupils who have not yet mastered reading, writing, and arithmetic skills,” he said, adding that this allows for appropriate interventions.
Wong stressed that the new curriculum, set to be implemented in 2027, prioritises literacy and numeracy as main focuses of the primary school Year One curriculum.
