Primary Education is the first 6 years of formal schooling in Malaysia.

Primary education for a child starts at the age of six (the child must be over six years to be admitted). Primary education in both countries is compulsory and lasts a period of six years.

All government or public schools must admit pupils of citizens of the country. Parents are required to register their children at a local school before they reach this age to be ensured of a place. In major cities there is usually a ruch for parent to place their child in the 'best' schools.

The medium of instructions in public schools are Malay or Chinese/Tamil with Malay. English language is compulsory and Science and Maths are taught in English. There is no school fees by the government for students of citizen at this level. However, some fees may be imposed by schools. 

In Malaysia, English is a compulsary subject but the Malay language is the main language taught in most schools (National Primary schools). There are basically two types of public schools, which are classified as:

• Sekolah Rendah Kebangsaan or National Primary School - medium of instruction is Bahasa Malaysia (Malay Language). English is compulsary
• Sekolah Rendah Jenis Kebangsaan or National Type (language) Primary School where the medium of instructions is either Chinese (Mandarin) or Tamil. However the English and Malay laguages are also taught for some subjects.

Assessment examinations     The assessment/national examination at year 6 in Malaysia is the UPSR (Ujian Penilian Sekolah Rendah/Primary School Performance Examination)