Never imagined that the big examinations in our country that have been practiced for as long as we can remember could be cancelled. The COVID-19 pandemic has placed many things out of control. The Ministry of Education Malaysia has announced the cancellation of UPSR and PT3 exams for 2020.
The decision was announced by Minister of Education, Dr Mohd Radzi Md Jidin, himself. However, he said the decision to cancel the examination would not affect the evaluation for studentsβ mastery.Β Not only that, he also said that there will be new methods that will be introduced for the purpose of evaluation.
βAs the results of UPSR will be used as a criteria enrolment into boarding schools, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama (SMKA), Maktab Rendah Sains Mara (MRSM) and Maktab Tentera Diraja (MTD), the ministry will introduce a new method to achieve this aim and it will not focus on academic performance alone. As for PT3 students, the results of the new method will be used selection criteria for the entry into boarding or vocational schools,β added Mohd Radzi (New Straits Times, April 17,2020).
SPM and SVM examinations will be postponed to the first quarter of next year, while STAM will be held during the same period. STPM Semester 2 examinations will be moved to August this year while Semester 3 examinations will take place in the first quarter of next year.
The opening of the schools depends on current developments and advice from the National Security Council and the Ministry of Health. Various reactions were received following the cancellation. Of course, students and teachers can breathe a sigh of relief without the expense of their exam syllabus.
Since there will be a new prospect of assessment that will be announced by the ministry. We look forward to it. Even parents need to teach and monitor their children’s education at home!
