Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also rural and regional development minister, said that besides Juz 30, the final 30th part of the Quran, preschoolers would be guided to memorize, among others, Surahs Yasin, Al-Waqiah, Al-Mulk and As-Sajdah.

"I have proposed that the memorization program at Kemas preschools be expanded from next year as part of efforts to strengthen religious education.

"Kemas teachers must first master the memorization of these Surahs to ensure that the program can be implemented in an organized and effective manner," he said in his speech at a meet-and-greet program with Pahang Kemas staff in Bera on Sunday.

Zahid also called on Kemas educators to keep pace with technological developments, including by expanding Smart Class programs and using smartboards at Kemas centers.

"Today's generation is growing up in a digital environment, and the country's early childhood education cannot be separated from these developments.

"Cooperation among the federal and state governments, along with elected representatives, must be strengthened to enhance technological facilities, upgrade existing infrastructure and improve the learning environment at Kemas childcare centres and preschools," he said.

He said the ministry would continue to strengthen the transformation of Kemas' early childhood education by integrating values and religious education with technological proficiency, in line with the needs of future generations.

Zahid said that after six decades of serving the community, Kemas must enter a new phase and continue to evolve with changing times without abandoning the fundamental principles of human development.

"Changes in the country's education ecosystem, including the lowering of the school starting age from seven to six, have made early education increasingly important as a foundation before children enter formal lessons," he said.

He said that over its 60-year history, Kemas centers had educated about 8.4 million children, reflecting the organization’s significant contribution to the development of early childhood education nationwide.

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Zahid expressed his appreciation to the Pahang government for its continued support for Kemas' development, including initiatives related to land ownership and grants for childcare centers and preschool premises, as well as allocations for renovation and upgrading works.

Also present were Pahang Menteri Besar Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail and Bera member of Parliament Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

Source: nst.com.my