‘Two key priorities this year’

Spreading smiles: Dr Wan Azizah (back row, third from left), posing with the donation recipients in conjunction with the Ceria ke Sekolah programme with ERM in the Bandar Tun Razak constituency. Also present were Fadhlina (back row, second from left) and ERM Founder Xiner Li (back row, fourth from left). — Bernama

Preschool curriculum, new education plan top focus, says Fadhlina

KUALA LUMPUR: The implementation of a new preschool curriculum and the launch of an Education Development Plan are the Education Ministry’s key prio­rities this year.

Minister Fadhlina Sidek said 2026 marks a critical year, following the return of the school year to a January start, and would also see the preschool curriculum intro­duced ahead of its original 2027 schedule.

“The primary focus is the implementation of this new preschool curriculum.

“Our second key priority is the new Education Development Plan, which is scheduled for launch in January,” Fadhlina said during the Ceria ke Sekolah (Happy to go to School) programme in the Bandar Tun Razak consti­tuency yesterday.

Also present were Bandar Tun Razak MP Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and the Prime Minister’s political secretary, Datuk Azman Abidin, Bernama reported.

At the event, 800 students received school aid to support their learning needs.

Fadhlina said the initiative is significant to help alleviate the financial burden on parents with school-going children.

“This aligns with the government’s commitment to safe­guarding children’s educational welfare and ensuring they are better prepared for school,” she said.

Fadhlina added that the total number of recipients in the constituency is about 5,000.

Dr Wan Azizah, the Prime Minister’s wife, said the programme reflects the collective concern to assist underprivileged families.

“This is a very meaningful ­occasion, which allows us to come together and provide ­assis­tance to those in need,” she said.