PUTRAJAYA: The Education Ministry is targeting the opening of 350 new preschool classes in 2026 as part of efforts to further strengthen early childhood education in the country, said Education director-general Dr Mohd Azam Ahmad.
He said the planned expansion would increase the total number of preschool classes nationwide to nearly 10,500, Bernama reported.
“Education is important for our children. Access to quality education ultimately enables them to go further in life,” he said as one of the panellists at the National Convention on Public Service Reform 2025, held in conjunction with the “Rancakkan Madani Bersama Malaysiaku” programme here yesterday.
Other panellists in the forum, which discussed the role of the health and education sectors in addressing poverty, were World Bank senior economist Dr Ririn Salwa Purnamasari and social media influencer Dr Muhammad Shazril Shaharuddin.
Mohd Azam said upgrading dilapidated schools also remains a priority, with maintenance work carried out on 41 schools in 2024 and another 43 scheduled for this year.
Meanwhile, Dr Muhammad Shazril urged Malaysians to pay greater attention to their health, describing it as a national investment rather than merely an individual responsibility.
“Lack of awareness will ultimately burden the health sector. When we prioritise our well-being, it positively impacts the nation, the economy and even the education system,” he said.
The three-day programme, which began on Friday, features more than 300 people-centric services, a career carnival, interactive exhibitions, family activities and various special offers for the public.
