IPOH: Classroom capacity and other facility preparedness are the Education Ministry’s focus ahead of six-year-olds getting the option to enter Year One from 2027, says Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh.
He said staffing is also a key focus, and the ministry has been taking steps since the announcement to ensure that schools and teachers are ready.
Schools that may face classroom or other facility shortages are being identified, although space constraints are not a nationwide issue, he added.
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"Some schools are overcrowded and cannot accommodate more students, but many schools still have space," he told reporters after a working visit to SM Yuk Choy (Suwa) here on Friday (Jan 30).
"For schools facing shortages, the ministry will build additional classrooms using the Industrialised Building System (IBS) method.
"Unlike conventional construction, which can take at least two to three years to complete a block of six to 12 classrooms, IBS construction allows classrooms to be completed in about four to five months once approval is obtained."
Wong said the IBS approach had been used over the past two to three years in overcrowded schools, including in Cyberjaya, where additional classrooms were prepared within a short period.
On staffing, he stressed that teacher shortages and placement challenges are not limited to Chinese schools but affect all school types nationwide.
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"Under the Madani government, the national teacher vacancy fill rate has improved from 95% to more than 97%.
"Although this percentage is dynamic because of retirements and early retirements, we have maintained a higher level compared to three years ago," he added.
Wong said the ministry is also in discussions with the Education Service Commission (SPP) on measures to boost recruitment.
He said teacher training takes time, as the Teacher Education Institute (IPG) programme typically takes about five years from Form Five level.
"Although IPG has increased its intake for the Bachelor of Teaching Degree Programme (PISMP) in recent years, the ministry acknowledges that this will not immediately resolve shortages.
"We are discussing with SPP how, during this interim period, we can recruit or appoint more teachers," he said.
Wong assured parents that they would have the final say on whether or not their six-year-old children enter Year One from next year, and the ministry is addressing concerns over readiness and a potential "double cohort" situation in schools.
He said parents are in the best position to assess their child’s development and preparedness for formal schooling.
"For 2027, we are giving parents the power to choose. They know their children best, their level of development and readiness," he said.
On registration, he said it would run from Feb 15 until the end of March, giving parents about two months to make a decision.
"Sufficient time is given, and we believe parents are capable of making the best decision for their children," he said.
He added that a double cohort situation, involving not only the intake of seven-year-olds into Year One but also six-year-olds, could potentially double student numbers if all parents opt for early enrolment for their children next year.
"This is a valid concern. After the March 31 deadline, the ministry will assess how many six-year-olds have opted to enter Year One and plan accordingly.
"Preparations have already begun, including ensuring the availability of teachers and addressing other operational requirements in schools," he said.
