Children Must Pass Diagnostic Test for Year One Entry in 2027

ALOR SETAR: Children aged six will only be eligible to enter Year One in 2027 if they successfully pass a special diagnostic test to be introduced by the Education Ministry. Its Minister Fadhlina Sidek said that this move aligns with the implementation of the National Education Development Plan (RPN) 2026 - 2035, as announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and aims to provide parents with flexibility in determining the early educational path for their children. She added that the new policy is not mandatory but voluntary, supported by a specialised diagnostic assessment to evaluate children’s psycho-emotional development, skills and readiness before entering Year One. "This decision is not left solely to parents. Children must undergo the diagnostic test first. From there, we will determine whether they are truly ready to follow the new Year One curriculum,” Sinar Harian quoted her as saying. Fadhlina explained that parents will need to register their children for the special diagnostic test, with its implementation to be announced soon. She noted that preparing for the policy rollout involves upgrading school infrastructure, teacher scheduling and systemic support, all to be implemented gradually. The ministry is currently identifying schools ready to implement the policy, including the construction of new classrooms using the Industrialised Building System (IBS) to address overcrowding issues. “We already have experience building more than 100 schools using IBS to solve school congestion. So, if additional facilities are needed, we are prepared to implement them quickly,” she said. Regarding teacher requirements, Fadhlina said that placement and scheduling will be based on data obtained from the diagnostic tests. Teachers will also receive training to support children entering Year One. “Our teachers are always available. What matters is how we schedule their placement to meet the needs of six-year-olds entering Year One,” she added.