'13MP to tackle preschool gaps, teacher quality and ageing workforce'

Former Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli has outlined the structural weaknesses in Malaysia’s education system that the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) aims to tackle - stressing that despite relatively high education spending, the country has underinvested in what matters most: teachers and early childhood development.

In a posting on his social media, Rafizi said the new measures - including mandatory preschool at age five, earlier entry to primary school at six, and enhanced teacher competencies - are not merely about curriculum updates or infrastructure upgrades, but about correcting a long-standing mismatch between budget allocations and actual educational outcomes.

He noted that Malaysia’s education budget, relative to the size of its economy, is already higher than many comparable countries.

“However, much of that expenditure has gone into physical infrastructure, whose costs continue to rise each year.”

This, Rafizi explained, has left little room for more targeted investment in teacher competencies, even as new syllabi and policies are introduced.

“If the teachers are not adequately trained, no curriculum reform will succeed,” he said.

He noted that Malaysia’s education budget, relative to the size of its economy, is already higher than many comparable countries.

“However, much of that expenditure has gone into physical infrastructure, whose costs continue to rise each year,” said the Pandan MP.

This, Rafizi explained, has left little room for more targeted investment in teacher competencies, even as new syllabi and policies are introduced.

“If the teachers are not adequately trained, no curriculum reform will succeed,” he said.

Early years are critical

From the perspective of child development, Rafizi said the most critical age range is between four and seven years old.

“The earlier a child experiences proper physical and mental development, the greater their learning potential will be in the subsequent school years.

“As access to preschool remains non-compulsory and fee-based, many parents must pay out of pocket, turning early education into a cost-of-living issue rather than a universal right,” Rafizi said, adding that this has become a significant pressure on young families.

“Parents are burdened by the cost of preschool fees, as it is not universally provided or recognised as a public right.”

Adapting to greying economy

Beyond educational outcomes, Rafizi said the proposed reforms also address Malaysia’s shifting demographics.

With the country heading toward an ageing society and a shrinking workforce, he stressed the importance of preparing the next generation for earlier workforce participation.

To this end, students will begin primary school at age six and complete secondary education at 16 - a shift designed to align the education system with long-term economic needs.

Rafizi also outlined several structural reforms under 13MP to bring the education overhaul to life:

• Preschool facilities within government schools will be expanded and newly built across Malaysia starting in 2026.

• School schedules and curricula will be adjusted to begin Year One at age six and complete secondary school by age 16.

• Selected Teacher Education Institutes will be converted into dedicated teacher competency training centres, focusing on continuous professional development for in-service educators, rather than solely producing new teachers.

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