Response was mixed when registration closed on Friday for the first two Government-run kindergartens.

Only 56 applications were received for the kindergarten sited at Dazhong Primary in Bukit Batok, which had 120 places up for grabs.

But demand was strong for the kindergarten at Punggol View Primary, with 140 applicants vying for the 120 spots. Balloting will be conducted for the centre. Parents will be notified of their registration outcome via postal mail by May 3.

Commenting on the enrolment, the Education Ministry said: "As this is the first year that MOE is setting up the pilot kindergartens, the number of applications we have received is a good start."

It added that it will continue to accept applications for the Dazhong centre. Parents may approach Dazhong Primary School or the MOE Customer Service Centre.

Dr Janil Puthucheary, MP for Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC, said he was "not surprised" that all the places at the Punggol kindergarten were snapped up. "The lack of pre-schools in the Punggol West area is an issue that is often raised at the Meet-the-People Sessions," he said.

Registration for the other three MOE-run kindergartens - at Blangah Rise Primary, Farrer Park Primary, and a void deck in Tampines Street 45 - will open on April 15, and end on April 19. An MOE spokesman said that the ministry will "step up on-going efforts to reach out to families who live in the vicinity and may benefit from these kindergartens".