Malaysia’s education system is set for another major change.
Starting next year, the Ministry of Education (MOE) will roll out a brand-new subject called ‘Pendidikan Karakter’ aimed at strengthening students’ personal growth, morals, and values from a young age.
To start at preschool level first
According to Kosmo!, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek announced that the ministry is already preparing for the subject’s implementation, which will first begin at preschools before being expanded to all levels.
She explained that Pendidikan Karakter will form the foundation of the upcoming 2027 School Curriculum, which focuses not just on academics, but also on shaping good character and emotional intelligence among students.
“We are now preparing the 2027 curriculum, and one important subject at its core is Pendidikan Karakter,” she said during a Dewan Rakyat session.
This will be the backbone of the new curriculum that starts in 2026. It is closely related to values, morals, and personality, all of which are already part of our current syllabus but will now be further strengthened.”
Fadhlina said the new approach is in line with the ministry’s goal of producing students who are not only academically capable, but also kind, resilient, and grounded in strong moral values.
She was responding to a question from Salamiah Mohd Nor (PN–Temerloh), who asked how the ministry plans to enhance students’ moral development and sense of identity through the national curriculum.
Mental health also part of the ministry’s focus
Meanwhile, when asked by Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias (BN–Jelebu) about student mental health, Fadhlina said KPM conducts mental health screenings twice a year to identify students who may be struggling.
Those who show signs of depression or emotional distress will be referred to professionals, including the Ministry of Health, for further support.
Interventions with psychiatrists are already in place,” she said. “But with the new reforms, we will strengthen these efforts through more training and immediate programmes.
“Schools cannot do it alone. Thus, parents play a key role in supporting their children’s mental and emotional well-being at home.”
With ‘Pendidikan Karakter’ forming the core of the 2027 curriculum, the ministry aims to strengthen the existing focus on values, morals, and character development among students.
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