KUALA LUMPUR, Feb. 6 -- The government is pushing ahead with major changes to early childhood education, including making pre-school compulsory for children aged five.

The move forms part of broader education reforms under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) and the National Education Blueprint 2026-2035.

Under the new policy, children will be required to attend pre-school starting at age five, a shift aimed at strengthening foundational skills and improving learning progress before entering primary school.

From policy proposal to law

The idea of compulsory pre-school for five-year-olds first emerged as a proposal in the government's long-term planning under the 13MP, where early childhood education is identified as a key pillar of national...