Malaysian preschools have been in existence since the 1940s with 64 per cent of preschools operated by multiple government agencies such as the Community Development Department (KEMAS) under the Ministry of National and Rural Development, and the Department of National Unity and Integration (JPNIN) under the Ministry of National Unity and Social Development. The other 36 percent of preschools are privately owned or funded by non-governmental organisations.
The importance of preschool education is indisputable based on neuro-scientific studies that highlight the impact of children’s first five years of experiences on brain development, early childhood education research findings, as well as social and economic factors.
Providing quality preschool education is also crucial in meeting Sustainable Development Goal 4 that ensures inclusive and equitable quality education, and readiness for primary education. But to make it compulsory for all children, our ecosystem must be ready for it. The key consideration is quality, rather than quantity alone.
The question is, do we have the funds, resources, conducive learning environments, qualified and professional teachers, and an effective and efficient governance system?
Malaysia’s expenditure on pre-primary education of 0.15 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2017 is relatively low compared to other upper-middle and high-income countries. According to the World Bank 2023 report, this is significantly lower than the recommended 1 per cent of GDP by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).