At the primary level, pupils will be tested in four subjects: Bahasa Melayu, English, Science and Mathematics. Form 3 students will sit for the same four subjects plus History.

Anwar said the tests would be administered by the Malaysian Examination Board.

“These assessments are also known as the Malaysian Learning Matrix,” he said at the launch of the National Education Blueprint 2026-2035 here.

He confirmed that preschool education would begin at age five, while Year 1 would begin at age six, starting next year.

However, Anwar said parents were not obliged to enrol their children at age five if they believed their child was not ready.

“Parents may choose for their children to enter Year 1 at either six or seven years old in 2027.

“This reflects the demands of changing times while recognising individual readiness,” he said.

At a press conference later, education minister Fadhlina Sidek urged parents and teachers not to panic over the Year 4 learning matrix, stressing that it was not a high-stakes exam.

She described the learning matrix as a broader and more holistic assessment tool, designed to measure pupils’ progress and allow early intervention if weaknesses were detected.

Fadhlina said Year 4 was chosen strategically because the ministry still had two years before pupils entered secondary school, allowing time for intervention and strengthening measures.

“This learning matrix must support pupils, not just be another exam system,” she said.

The learning matrix for Year 4 pupils is scheduled to begin in October, allowing results and evaluations to be completed before the school holidays.