Learning Matrix Aims At Intervention, Not School Ranking - Fadhlina

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 23 (Bernama) -- Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek has given assurance that the implementation of the Malaysian Learning Matrix (MPM) for Year Four and Form Three students will not revive school ranking or grading practices that place excessive pressure on students and teachers.

She said the ministry is focused on integrity and intervention goals, in line with the School-Based Assessment domain under the National Education Assessment System.

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

Fadhlina was responding to a supplementary question from Senator Che Alias Hamid, who sought government assurance on the matter during today’s oral question-and-answer session in the Dewan Negara.

She said the assessment results will help boost students’ literacy, numeracy, and science skills while ensuring a holistic evaluation, stressing that the system helps teachers plan focused remedial programmes without affecting the syllabus.

She said the ministry will monitor MPM to prevent misuse that harms students’ well-being.

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

The Year Four Learning Matrix will launch in October 2026, with Form Three following in 2027 under the 2026-2035 National Education Blueprint.

-- BERNAMA