Education Ministry's announcement on entry into Primary One has caused confusion, says social activist

KUCHING, Jan 22 2026: A social activist Voon Shiak Ni (picture) said that the announcement by the Education Ministry on the entry into Primary One in 2027 has triggered heated discussions across social media platforms and causes confusion on the ground especially parents and teachers.

She said that it is common knowledge that national education policy must be guided by uniformity, clarity, and certainty .

“And the current confusion surrounding entry into Primary One—where both age six and age seven are being applied—has created unnecessary anxiety among parents, teachers, and school administrators,” she said in a statement.

Voon said a national policy cannot operate on shifting interpretations or ad hoc exceptions.

“When the Ministry of Education sends mixed signals on such a fundamental issue as the starting age of compulsory schooling, it undermines confidence in the system and create unnecessary fuss especially with the added procedure of the need of children going through a diagnostic test to qualify for entry to primary One,  if parents opt to register their children to Primary One at age 6,” she added.

She reminded that early education is not a minor administrative matter., saying that cognitive, emotional, and social readiness of a child must be supported by a consistent national framework, not confused by unnecessary procedures imposing more work on teachers and parents and burden on the young children .

“I urged the Education Minister to state unequivocally the official age of entry into Primary One and ensure the policy is applied uniformly nationwide, without arbitrary discretion and to ensure that all children are given equal opportunities .

“And it is also pertinent that parents and teachers deserve certainty, not confusion.

“A strong education system begins with clear rules—and the ministry must lead with clarity and responsibility,”  Voon said.

On Jan 19 Anwar announced that starting 2027, parents will have the choice of enrolling their children into preschool from age five and six for Year 1 of primary school.

The prime minister said parents may choose for their children to enter Year One at either six or seven years old.The entire system will be taken over and standardised by the Education Ministry, starting with five-year-olds. Children will start Year 1 at six. For four-year-olds, additional funding will be provided.