Education DG: SPM schedule to be announced today

KOTA BARU: The Education Directorate-General (DG) has announced that the 2026 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination schedule is set to be revealed this evening, following approval from Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, according to Education director-general Datuk Dr Mohd Azam Ahmad. Dr Azam stated that the proposed enhancements to the examination schedule would be presented by the deputy director of the Examination Syndicate to Fadhlina for evaluation and endorsement.

Should no objections arise, the 2026 SPM timetable will be released this evening, according to Dr Azam, speaking to reporters post the bus handover at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama Naim Lilbanat in Kota Baru. He emphasized that the development of the new timetable took into account perspectives from various parties, including concerns about the scheduling of several examination papers towards the end of the examination period.

Dr Azam explained that while improvements to the SPM examination timetable were desired, thorough discussions with all involved parties were necessary before implementing any changes. Additional factors being examined include the Northeast Monsoon, potential haze incidents at year-end, and school holiday periods to ensure the schedule does not adversely affect the State Education Department (JPN), District Education Office (PPD), and schools.

Dr Azam stressed the importance of considering state and school-level circumstances, as well as the interests of candidates and parents, when making modifications to the examination timetable. He affirmed that the Ministry of Education aims to provide the best outcome for JPN, PPD, schools, and most importantly, the children and parents who will be taking the SPM examination.

When queried about the Northeast Monsoon's impact on the East Coast being a primary consideration, Dr Azam confirmed that it was indeed taken into account alongside other weather variables, such as the unpredictable haze occurrences. Dr Azam shared that he had presented the proposal to the Minister in a meeting the previous day and delivered an initial overview of the suggested adjustments.

Social media has recently seen a surge in concerns from parents and candidates regarding the delayed announcement of the 2026 SPM examination date and schedule.