UPSR Will Not Be Reinstated, Says Fadhlina

Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a holistic education approach that prioritises students’ overall development over exam-centric learning.

KUALA LUMPUR: The Primary School Achievement Test (UPSR) will not be reinstated, as the government remains committed to strengthening a more holistic and student-centred education system, said Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek.

She said the decision reflects the ministry’s long-term vision to move away from an overly exam-oriented culture and towards a learning environment that nurtures students’ intellectual, emotional, social and moral development.

According to Fadhlina, the abolition of UPSR was carefully considered after evaluating its impact on students’ mental well-being, the heavy workload borne by teachers, and the limitations of relying solely on standardised examinations to assess learning outcomes.

“In today’s rapidly changing world, education must go beyond memorisation and test scores. Our goal is to develop students who are critical thinkers, confident communicators and responsible citizens,” she said in a statement.

She explained that the current assessment framework, known as Classroom-Based Assessment (PBD), enables teachers to continuously monitor students’ progress throughout the academic year. This approach provides a more accurate picture of individual strengths, weaknesses and learning needs.

Fadhlina added that PBD encourages meaningful learning experiences, allowing students to explore their potential without excessive academic pressure. It also promotes creativity, problem-solving skills and collaborative learning, which are essential for success in the 21st century.

To ensure the effectiveness of the new system, she said the ministry will continue to enhance teacher training, improve teaching and learning materials, and upgrade school infrastructure nationwide.

She also called on parents to support the education reforms, stressing that a child’s success should not be measured solely by examination results, but by character building, life skills and emotional resilience.

The decision not to reintroduce UPSR aligns with the government’s broader efforts to build a progressive, inclusive and future-ready education system that equips students to thrive in an increasingly complex global environment.