KUALA LUMPUR: Former Education Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Radzi Md Jidin has proposed that the government adopt a phased intake system based on children’s dates of birth to manage the enrolment of 6-year-olds into Year One.
He suggested that children born earlier in the year be admitted first, followed by those born later, to achieve the government’s objective of lowering the school entry age.
“For instance, in 2027, if the ministry has the capacity to accommodate an additional 100,000 six-year-old pupils in Year One, it can determine how that intake is allocated. Perhaps pupils born or turning 6 between January and April could enter first. In 2028, those born between January and June could be admitted, and in 2029, between January and September, until the entire cohort has been absorbed. This approach avoids disputes over why one child is admitted while another is not,” he said in the Dewan Rakyat today while debating the Motion of Thanks on the Royal Address.
The proposal comes amid concerns over the capacity of current manpower and infrastructure to handle a large intake.
Based on birth data from 2021, the Putrajaya MP estimated that some 440,000 children would reach the age of 6 in 2027.
With an average of 35 pupils per class, over 12,500 additional classrooms would be needed nationwide.
“If the ministry proceeds with implementation in 2027, a phased intake is likely necessary due to limitations in classroom capacity, personnel, and infrastructure,” he added.
Earlier today, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the removal of the diagnostic test requirement for six-year-old students entering Year One.
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