Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek assures the new Learning Matrix is for student intervention, not reviving school ranking systems that cause pressure

KUALA LUMPUR: The implementation of the Malaysian Learning Matrix (MPM) is designed for student intervention and will not revive school ranking practices.

Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek gave this assurance in the Dewan Negara, stating the ministry’s focus is on integrity and intervention goals within the School-Based Assessment framework.

She was responding to a supplementary question from Senator Che Alias Hamid during an oral question-and-answer session.

“The Learning Matrix is focused not on school rankings or unhealthy competition, but on identifying students’ mastery levels to provide support and early intervention,” Fadhlina said.

She explained that the assessment results will help boost students’ literacy, numeracy, and science skills through holistic evaluation.

This system is intended to help teachers plan focused remedial programmes without affecting the syllabus.

The ministry will monitor MPM to prevent any misuse that could harm student well-being.

“We make sure assessments reflect students’ actual mastery, not a source of stigma or pressure,” she added.

The Year Four Learning Matrix is scheduled to launch in October 2026.

The Form Three assessment will follow in 2027 under the 2026-2035 National Education Blueprint.

 The Sun Malaysia