Rafizi Urges Universal Free Preschool Before Lowering Year 1 Entry Age

Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli urges the government to prioritise early childhood education reforms before implementing changes to school entry age.

KUALA LUMPUR: Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli has called on the government to establish a universal and free preschool system before implementing the policy to allow children to enter Year One at the age of six, stressing that early childhood education is crucial to ensuring fairness and long-term learning success.

Rafizi said lowering the school entry age without first strengthening access to quality preschool education could widen existing learning gaps, particularly among children from low-income and rural families.

“Before we move forward with enrolling six-year-olds into Year One, we must ensure that every child has access to a proper preschool education. A universal and free preschool system is essential to prepare children academically, emotionally and socially,” he said in a statement today.

He explained that preschool plays a vital role in developing basic literacy, numeracy, communication skills and emotional resilience, all of which form the foundation for formal schooling.

According to Rafizi, children who do not receive structured early education may struggle to adapt to the academic and social demands of primary school, potentially affecting their confidence and long-term performance.

“Education reform must be comprehensive and inclusive. Policies should not only focus on age thresholds, but also on building a strong support system that ensures no child is left behind,” he added.

He also highlighted the need for sufficient infrastructure, trained teachers and standardised quality controls across public and private preschools to ensure consistent learning outcomes nationwide.

Rafizi said the government should consider channelling more resources into early childhood education, especially in underserved areas, to create a level playing field for all children regardless of socio-economic background.

Education experts echoed his views, noting that international studies consistently show that investment in preschool education yields significant long-term benefits, including higher academic achievement, reduced dropout rates and better social outcomes.

The proposal to allow children to enter Year One at six is part of the government’s broader education reform agenda aimed at improving learning efficiency and alignment with international standards. However, Rafizi stressed that any policy change must be carefully sequenced to avoid unintended consequences.

“A strong preschool system is not a luxury — it is a necessity. If we want real reform, this must be our starting point,” he said.