Bahasa Melayu and History subjects in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination will remain compulsory requirements for admission into public higher education institutions (IPTA), including for students from outside the national education system.
Minister of Higher Education Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir said the requirement also applies to the Cabinet’s decision made yesterday, which agreed on several provisions regarding admission pathways for students from tahfiz institutions, private schools and Chinese Independent Secondary Schools (SMPC) into IPTA programmes.
“SPM remains compulsory even if the student is from those streams. Because our UPU (UPUOnline system) assessment is based on SPM results.
“This means they must sit for the examination and pass both History and Bahasa Melayu subjects recognised by the Malaysian Examinations Board,” he told reporters after attending the 2025 Excellent Service Awards Ceremony for the Department of Polytechnic and Community College Education today.
Earlier, Zambry stressed in his speech that IPTA entry requirements must still be based on the SPM system, even though the government is opening alternative pathways for students from other education backgrounds.
“The basic requirement must remain the same. For example, regardless of the stream, entry into IPTA must be based on our SPM system,” he said.
Zambry said the government’s decision had been misinterpreted by some parties as if it meant compromising the national education system.
Yesterday, the government agreed on several measures relating to admission pathways for students from tahfiz institutions, private schools and SMPC into IPTA.
Candidates from these streams who also possess full SPM qualifications may apply for any programmes offered through the UPUOnline system.
In another development, Zambry said the government is working to elevate polytechnics and community colleges to a new level in line with current changes and national development needs.
“We can no longer view polytechnics merely as supporting institutions or second feeders. The world is changing, and we know we will be left behind if we do not change,” he said.
