Kuala Lampur, Jan. 21 -- Malaysia's decision to allow children to begin preschool at age five and give parents the option of enrolling them in Standard One at age six or seven marks a significant turning point in the nation's education landscape.

On paper, this is a progressive and forward-looking reform, aligning Malaysia with countries that have long prioritised early childhood education.

Research consistently shows that the early years are critical for building foundational "3M" skills - Membaca (reading), Menulis (writing), and Mengira (counting) - which strongly influence how well children cope once formal schooling begins.

One clear advantage of earlier preschool entry is the opportunity for early detection and intervention.

Man...