PUTRAJAYA: The Education Ministry has placed teachers, students and school communities at the heart of its education reform efforts, making them the foundation for the development of the New Education Curriculum.
Minister Fadhlina Sidek (pic) said reforms in schools serve as a medium to translate their voices into meaningful action, ensuring that every education initiative does not merely remain a discourse on paper.
“Student development is only meaningful when we truly listen to the voices of students and teachers because that is where the pulse of education lies,” she said in her New Year’s message to ministry staff on Friday, Bernama reported.
In line with the approach, she said the New Education Curriculum will be implemented in stages beginning this year with the 2026 preschool curriculum serving as the initial phase.
Fadhlina said the curriculum places emphasis on character development, self-management, an interest in reading, integrated learning and early exposure to digital technology while ensuring that students with special needs are provided with a safe and inclusive learning environment.
On efforts to strengthen preschool education, she said facilities would be upgraded, including the provision of smart televisions and the expansion of the ‘Jom Baca Bersama’ programme to homes.
To further expand access, 350 additional preschool classes are targeted this year, including in eight matriculation colleges, followed by another 150 classes in 2027.
The government has also allocated RM125mil for the renovation and maintenance of existing classes.
Touching on school governance, Fadhlina said a new grading system would be implemented starting this year, involving school administrators and taking into account workload factors such as student enrolment, dormitory occupancy and education level.
“This is to ensure that administrators have the qualifications and authority needed to carry out their responsibilities more effectively,” she said.
The minister added that the new grading system also addresses several key demands of the teachers’ union, including enabling ordinary academic teachers with Grade DG12 to be appointed as senior assistants in primary schools, as well as providing greater flexibility in changing work locations.
Fadhlina said the ministry has also identified 14 Quick Win initiatives under the Malaysia Education Development Plan 2026-2035 to address critical issues such as overcrowded schools, dilapidated infrastructure, special education and the well-being of teachers and students.
Among the initiatives are the operation of 17 new schools this year, the upgrading of 50 dilapidated schools and the provision of computer laboratory equipment to 1,801 schools.
On inclusive education, 200 new special education classes would be opened in phases, alongside the expansion of the Comprehensive Special Model School 11 programme and the operation of the Special Education Sports School in Bandar Enstek, Negri Sembilan.
To support teachers and administrators, she said 1,470 teaching assistants will be deployed while 600 full-time hostel wardens under the Malaysia Short-Term Employment Programme will be appointed starting March.
In terms of educational technology, Fadhlina said 800 schools will implement the artificial intelligence-powered classroom programme while the AI-based DELIMa 3.0 learning platform will be rolled out this month.
On pre-university students, she said for the first time, Early Schooling Aid of RM150 will be given on a one-off basis to 99,678 Form Six students, in recognition of their role, as well as to provide early support for them to continue their studies.
Fadhlina called on the entire education ecosystem, including teachers, administrators, parents and corporate players to collectively shoulder the responsibility of building the future of national education.
“The true success of education is not measured solely by global achievements but by our children growing into civilised and resilient individuals.
“When that happens, we will truly fulfill our mandate as educators and nation builders,” she said.
