The Education Ministry (MOE) has been urged to review the 2026 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination timetable following concerns from parents and candidates over listening tests and written papers for Bahasa Melayu and English being held on the same day.
Former Education Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Radzi Md Jidin said a more practical arrangement should be considered to ensure candidates have sufficient focus and are adequately prepared for their examinations.
The Putrajaya MP said the latest examination timetable showed that certain components had been scheduled on the same day.
“Some have shared their concerns with me regarding the 2026 SPM examination schedule.
“Based on the latest timetable, 2026 will see a significant change, with the listening tests being held on the same day as the written papers,” he said in a Facebook post on Wednesday.
The Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) vice-president said such an arrangement had not occurred since the listening tests were reintroduced in 2021.
Under the current schedule, the Bahasa Melayu Listening Test and Written Examination are both set for November 23, 2026.
Similarly, candidates sitting for English will have their English Listening Test and Written Examination on November 24, 2026.
Mohd Radzi said the arrangement could place additional pressure on candidates, who would need to remain focused and prepared for multiple examination components within the same day.
He therefore urged the ministry to reconsider the timetable by taking into account feedback and concerns raised by parents and candidates sitting for the 2026 SPM examination.
