Tapah: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has assured that all KEMAS kindergartens and nurseries in Perak will undergo upgrades. The enhancements will include strengthening worship modules and encouraging children to memorize common surahs of the Quran.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid, who also serves as the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, emphasized that education remains a priority for the government. Efforts are being made to empower institutions such as kindergartens and Maktab Rendah Sains MARA (MRSM), which have been instrumental in nurturing outstanding human capital within rural communities.

He highlighted the success of these institutions by mentioning that many Orang Asli children have been admitted to MRSM, with some achieving straight A's in their subjects. Ahmad Zahid made these remarks during his speech at the KEMAS Parenting Skill event at the Tapah Sports Complex.

Prominent figures at the event included Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, MARA chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, and Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate for the Ayer Kuning state by-election, Dr Mohamad Yusri Bakir. Ahmad Zahid, who also chairs BN, endorsed Mohamad Yusri as a qualified candidate capable of continuing a legacy of service, particularly in education.

Ahmad Zahid noted that Mohamad Yusri, with his educational background and as the son of a former KEMAS human resources development supervisor, could bring significant changes to the Ayer Kuning state constituency. The Ayer Kuning by-election was prompted by the death of incumbent Ishsam Shahruddin on February 22.

The by-election features a three-cornered contest among BN's Mohamad Yusri, Perikatan Nasional's Abd Muhaimin Malek, and Bawani KS of Parti Sosialis Malaysia. The Election Commission has scheduled polling for April 26, with early voting on April 22.