Stay Calm: Year 1 Can Begin at Six

Education Minister Fadhlina Sheikh Hassan has reassured parents that starting Year 1 at six years old is optional, not compulsory. She says the government will conduct readiness tests to ensure each child is prepared for the classroom.
Fadhlina urged families to stay calm and avoid pressure, reminding them that the assessment will guide whether a child should begin formal schooling now or later. The move aims to ease transition and support diverse learning needs.

For parents with six‑year‑olds, this means you can choose whether to enrol your child now or wait for a readiness test, reducing anxiety about meeting a fixed age deadline for your family.

The policy eases parental stress and tailors education to individual readiness, potentially improving early learning outcomes and reducing dropout rates, while signalling the Ministry’s flexible approach to primary education for students.