MAE urges Malaysia to rehire retired teachers ahead of 2027 Year 1 expansion for six-year-olds
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia should look to its pool of retired educators to plug a growing teacher shortage as the country prepares for a potentially larger and younger Year 1 intake, following the Education Ministry’s decision to allow six-year-olds to enrol in primary school on a voluntary basis beginning 2027.
Malaysian Association of Education (MAE) secretary-general Hamidi Mookkaiyah welcomed the ministry’s initiative as a forward-thinking move, but warned that without adequate preparation in terms of staffing and infrastructure, the education system could come under considerable strain.
At the heart of his proposal is a call to bring experienced retired teachers back into classrooms — particularly to manage the unique demands of teaching younger children. Hamidi argued that educators who have left the profession bring with them a combination of hands-on experience, deep pedagogical knowledge and the emotional temperament that early childhood learning demands.
Children entering school at age six, he noted, need mentors who can provide the kind of nurturing, patient guidance more commonly associated with parental figures — qualities that seasoned retired teachers are well-placed to offer. Beyond their subject matter expertise, their track record in classroom management and their natural affinity for working with young learners make them a practical and immediate solution to the current shortage.
To ensure the scheme is both effective and sustainable, Hamidi recommended a cautious, phased approach. Rather than rolling it out nationwide from the outset, he proposed launching pilot programmes in selected districts and schools first. Participating retired teachers should also undergo focused refresher training through short, paid micro-credential courses covering areas such as early years pedagogy, child development, classroom technology and child safeguarding.
On employment structure, Hamidi advocated for flexible arrangements — including part-time, hourly or term-based contracts — to make the scheme attractive to retirees who may not wish to return to full-time work. He also stressed the need for clear role descriptions that align with existing teacher certification frameworks and union agreements.
A structured screening process should accompany any intake, he added, encompassing assessments of bilingual proficiency, physical fitness, psychological suitability and demonstrated commitment to child-centred teaching values.
To draw retirees to underserved areas, Hamidi further called for rural posting incentives, including hardship allowances, housing assistance and travel support.
Ongoing professional development, peer mentorship, access to counselling and regular health monitoring were also cited as essential components of a well-rounded support framework.
Child protection training, consistent supervision and transparent reporting mechanisms, he said, must be embedded throughout the programme to uphold professional standards.
The policy context driving these recommendations centres on the Education Ministry’s recently announced optional early enrolment pathway, which will allow children born between January 2 and December 31, 2021 to enter Year 1 in 2027 — a year ahead of the standard entry age of seven.
The ministry has confirmed that early entry will be entirely voluntary and will not involve any form of screening tests, following concerns raised by parents and stakeholders during earlier public consultations.
Engagement with relevant parties is reported to be continuing as authorities assess the operational implications of a potential rise in Year 1 enrolment.
The Sun Malaysia
