PUTRAJAYA: Perpaduan childcare centres and kindergartens remain a priority under the Madani government, with an allocation of RM55.5mil provided for the 2026 school session, says Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang.
The National Unity Minister announced this on Monday (Jan 12) while officiating at the "Santuni Murid Tabika Perpaduan - Kembali ke Tabika Perpaduan" programme at Tabika Perpaduan Seroja, Bandar Baru Salak Tinggi, Sepang.
In a statement, Aaron said the allocation aims to provide support and assistance to students at Taska and Tabika Perpaduan, while fostering interest and motivation in learning and easing the financial burden on parents in meeting their children's educational needs.
He said the allocation includes RM24.39mil for Supplementary Food Assistance, RM3.5mil for the Per Capita Grant, RM20mil for the upgrading and renovation of Tabika Perpaduan facilities to ensure a conducive learning environment, RM2.29mil for starter kits comprising uniforms, backpacks, blankets and towels, RM1.93mil for teaching, learning and safety equipment, and RM359,640 for insurance coverage.
In addition, Aaron said the allocation also covers initiatives to enhance the professionalism and capacity building of Perpaduan nursery teachers and educators, in line with efforts to improve the quality of early childhood education services under the Perpaduan programme.
Aaron said participation on the first day of the 2026 session involved 33,307 children aged four to six enrolled in 1,781 Tabika Perpaduan nationwide, as well as 998 children aged two to four registered at 41 Taska Perpaduan centres.
He stressed that Tabika and Taska Perpaduan are among government-owned early childhood education centres that provide free services without any fees.
"Tabika Perpaduan will also implement the new Preschool Curriculum starting this year, which emphasises the inculcation of unity, respect and love from an early age, in line with the ministry's focus on nation-building and the development of a young generation with a strong patriotic spirit, while empowering students as agents of social change," he said.
Aaron added that special modules such as the Rukun Negara module, as well as third-language programmes including Tamil, Mandarin, Iban and Kadazan implemented by the National Unity and National Integration Department, will be aligned with the implementation of the 2026 Preschool Curriculum. - Bernama
