Education Ministry receives over 120,000 applications for preschool 2027, highlighting parental trust in its free, quality early education programmes.

KUANTAN: More than 120,000 children have registered for admission into the Ministry of Education’s preschool programme for the 2027 intake.

Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the figure of 121,569 applications shows MOE preschools have become a preferred choice for parents.

She attributed this to the quality of education offered and the provision of free preschool access.

The programme is supported by qualified teachers, complete infrastructure, and the Preschool Food Assistance (BMP) scheme for all pupils.

“However, priority is given to five- and four-year-old children from low-income (B40) families, particularly those living in rural areas,” she said.

This preparation is crucial before children enter formal Year One education.

Fadhlina was speaking at the MOE Community Ramadan Jaulah programme at SMK Sultanah Hajjah Kalsom.

Applications received by March 4 comprise 61,430 five-year-olds, 52,189 four-year-olds, and 949 three-year-olds.

Online registration is open from March 2 until May 31, 2026, for children born between 2021 and 2023.

The ministry is actively expanding access with 350 new preschool classes opened this year.

Currently, there are 10,514 preschool classes in 6,469 MOE institutions nationwide.

These classes have a total capacity of 256,894 places, with a current enrolment of 217,041 pupils.

Fadhlina also commended the improving education performance in Pahang state.

At the event, she announced RM200,000 in assistance for SMK Sultanah Hajjah Kalsom.

 The Sun Malaysia