The Malaysian Education Ministry is urging parents to enrol their children early in screening programmes aimed at identifying learning difficulties such as autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek emphasized that early detection is vital for providing timely intervention and support to affected children.

Speaking after attending the 2026 Parliamentary Follow-up Programme at SK Gua Musang on Tuesday, Fadhlina highlighted the ministry's ongoing efforts to facilitate early identification of developmental challenges. She encouraged parents who observe developmental delays in their children to take advantage of free assessments offered by the ministry, which include speech therapy and psychological evaluations.

"Psychologists will assess children’s overall development and provide recommendations to support their learning," Fadhlina said, stressing the importance of parental involvement in the process. She noted that these screening services are provided at no cost to ensure broad accessibility.

In addition to focusing on early screening, the ministry is prioritizing literacy and numeracy skills among school pupils. Fadhlina clarified that the ministry avoids the term "illiteracy," preferring instead to concentrate on enhancing proficiency through targeted interventions supported by both teachers and parents.

The ministry’s approach also encompasses children from the Orang Asli community to ensure they receive equal attention and do not fall behind academically. Fadhlina affirmed that the government remains committed to providing focused support for these groups within the education system.

By promoting early screening and bolstering foundational learning skills, the ministry aims to better identify and address learning difficulties at a young age, ultimately improving educational outcomes across Malaysia.