GEORGE TOWN: Penang recorded 22,103 applications for Year One enrolment in 2027, as of April 15, says state trade and national unity committee chairman Goh Choon Aik.
Goh added that the Education Ministry and Penang Education Department are preparing for a rise in Year One pupils in 2027 following the implementation of the six-year-old school entry policy, with measures such as adding classrooms, upgrading facilities and implementing two-session schooling.
“Of the total, 18,385 are seven-year-olds while 3,717 are six-year-olds,” he said during his winding-up speech at the state assembly sitting on Tuesday (May 13).
There was also one applicant categorised as “above five years old”, born on Jan 1, 2022.
Goh said 30 schools across Penang’s five districts were undergoing classroom expansion works.
“The projects involve 74 mainstream classrooms and 16 Special Education Integrated Programme (PPKI) classrooms.
“The works are expected to be completed before the start of the 2027 school term,” he said.
He said other measures included converting existing spaces into classrooms, refurbishing facilities, implementing morning and afternoon sessions, and placing pupils in nearby schools.
Goh added that the Education Ministry had also released the first phase of funding for classroom conversion, refurbishment and upgrading works involving 11 schools in the state.
He said the Penang Education Department would ensure all Year One pupils in 2027 could begin schooling smoothly.
