Education Ministry to Prioritise Parent-Child Reading in Preschool Curriculum 2026

CYBERJAYA: The Preschool Curriculum 2026 will place a stronger focus on early reading practices by encouraging shared reading activities between parents and children as part of efforts to strengthen literacy from an early age, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said on Friday.

Speaking at Malam Kota Buku 2025, Fadhlina said the revised curriculum will introduce structured initiatives that promote parental involvement in reading, including the establishment of dedicated reading spaces in preschools nationwide.

“The goal is to cultivate a reading culture early by making reading a shared experience between children and their parents,” she said, adding that such engagement plays a critical role in developing foundational literacy skills.

The minister noted that the initiative has received full backing from Perbadanan Kota Buku (PKB) and various strategic partners to ensure smooth and effective implementation at the preschool level.

Fadhlina also stressed the continued importance of reading physical books, saying the practice must be preserved and strengthened despite growing digital consumption. She added that the Nilam program, or Nadi Ilmu Amalan Membaca, will be enhanced next year to further encourage reading habits among students.

Malam Kota Buku 2025 showcased PKB’s role as an agency under the Ministry of Education in developing reading infrastructure and rolling out structured literacy programs to support national education goals.

Also in attendance at the event were Ministry of Education secretary-general Datuk Dr Aminuddin Hassim and PKB chief executive officer Adibah Omar.

The Education Ministry reiterated its commitment to fostering a strong reading culture as a cornerstone of Malaysia’s long-term education strategy.