Longer hours for teaching of Mathematics from next year, says MOE

TIME allocated for Mathematics in primary schools will be increased by 32 hours under next year’s curriculum.

Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the increase from 576 to 608 hours will see weekly lessons for level one pupils extended to 3.5 hours, while levels two and three will each receive three hours per week.

Level one comprises Years 1 and 2; level two, Years 3 and 4, and level three, Years 5 and 6.

“The additional time will allow pupils to gain a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts and apply them in daily life.

"The increased teaching hours will also enable teachers to provide more focused attention and targeted intervention for pupils who require additional support," she said in a parliamentary written reply reported by The New Straits Times.

She was responding to a question from Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli (PH-Pandan) on measures to raise Mathematics instruction time in primary schools to at least 1,000 hours, in line with countries such as Cambodia, Myanmar and the Philippines.

Fadhlina said the ministry would also continue intervention efforts through the Primary School Literacy and Numeracy Programme (PLaN) to ensure pupils achieve proficiency before entering secondary school.

"Mathematics remains one of the key subjects emphasised under PLaN," she said.

She added that stronger literacy and numeracy foundations are essential in developing critical thinking, problem-solving skills and competencies needed for further education and daily life. – February 25, 2026