Kemas kindergartens in high demand due to private-level quality – Asna
KUALA LUMPUR: Applications for admission into Community Development Department (Kemas) kindergartens in Negeri Sembilan have recorded an extraordinary surge, particularly in urban and semi-urban areas, following significant improvements in the quality of early childhood education offered.
Negeri Sembilan State Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker Datuk Mohd Asna Amin said the overwhelming response could be likened to “hot cakes”, as more parents are opting for Kemas kindergartens due to education standards comparable to private institutions, coupled with a strong emphasis on the implementation of the Early Childhood Education Digital Plan, which is a key focus this year.
He said minimal fees have also made Kemas kindergartens a preferred choice, with parents paying only between RM20 and RM50 per month, in addition to free meals provided to pupils.
“In several areas nationwide, parents only need to pay fees as low as RM5, with free meals included.
“This clearly reflects Kemas’ commitment to ensuring quality and affordable early childhood education for all segments of society,” he told.
Asna said all applications undergo a thorough screening process, with priority given to families from lower-income backgrounds, without adopting a ‘first come, first served’ approach.
Commenting on reforms within the Kemas kindergarten education system, he said the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) continues to strengthen human capital development through various initiatives aimed at empowering rural education.
The Lenggeng assemblyman said key initiatives include the establishment of Kemas Pra-Tahfiz kindergartens, Tahfiz-based TVET programmes, cross-rural digital education through the Smart Classroom@Kemas programme, as well as efforts to nurture young huffaz via the PeliTa@Kemas initiative.
“More than 50 per cent of Kemas kindergartens nationwide will be upgraded to ensure better quality early childhood education facilities.
“KKDW has also allocated RM40 million to Kemas for upgrading and refurbishing kindergartens and childcare centres nationwide,” he said.
In a related development, Asna said special Kemas kindergartens for autistic children will begin construction in every state starting this year, to ensure inclusive and affordable access to early childhood education.
“The establishment of these specialised kindergartens takes into account the Kemas education ecosystem’s capability to provide special education, ensuring that autistic children are not left behind in the early education system,” he said, expressing hope that the initiative will be implemented smoothly as planned.
On enrolment statistics, Asna said the number of children registered at Kemas kindergartens has shown a consistent trend since 2021, with 205,716 children recorded that year, rising to 207,965 in 2022 and 216,322 in 2023.
However, the figure dipped slightly to 216,029 in 2024, followed by 210,165 in 2025 and 195,966 children recorded so far in 2026.
He also expressed appreciation to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi for his commitment to ensuring Kemas kindergartens remain progressive and relevant to current needs.
Asna further conveyed his gratitude to all Kemas educators for their dedication and sacrifices in shaping the nation’s future generation from an early age.