UEC holders: No change to entry requirements for private medical degrees, says Fahmi

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 13 – The Malaysian government has decided to retain the current Minimum Entry Requirements (MER) for Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) holders aiming to enroll in medical programs at private tertiary institutions. Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil disclosed this during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Fahmi emphasized that this decision aligns with the government's prior standards and preserves the same prerequisites that stood before any modifications. UEC holders who achieve a 'B4' grade in five essential subjects – Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and either Mathematics (or its advanced versions) – will still qualify to apply for admission into medical degree programs at private higher education institutions.

During a post-Cabinet press conference, Fahmi, who doubles as the unity government spokesman, stated that UEC holders meeting the minimum benchmark will be eligible for admission. The Health Ministry and the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) will collaborate with the Higher Education Ministry to address any logistical challenges arising from the decision.

Fahmi highlighted that this move aims to tackle any unforeseen issues and safeguard the quality and standards of medical education, both in public and private institutions. Although the UEC does not serve as an official entry requirement for public universities, UEC holders are still permitted to directly enroll in medical degree programs (like MBBS or MD) at private universities in Malaysia, provided they satisfy the credit prerequisites for Bahasa Malaysia and English as mandated by the MMC.