Pros of six-year-olds entering Year One outweigh the cons, says Anwar

KEPALA BATAS: The government’s move to allow voluntary enrolment of Year One pupils at the age of six from 2027 should not be viewed in a negative light, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The Prime Minister said it must be seen in the context of improving the quality of the nation’s education, particularly in providing early exposure to formal schooling.

“In most countries around the world, children begin Year One at the age of six. When we do it here, it becomes an issue – some say children are not ready at six, that they should learn the Quran first, and so on.

“I want to explain why we are introducing this change starting next year. This year, if our children are five, we send them to preschool earlier so that they are ready after one year,” he said when speaking at the opening of the Guar Kepah Archaeological Gallery here on Saturday (Jan 24).

He said if children are given the opportunity and early exposure, they can become more capable learners, which in turn could help elevate the country. – Bernama