The examination schedule for the 2021/2022 batch of SPM takers was recently announced by the Education Ministry. The packed examination schedule drew plenty of backlash from Malaysians on social media who said that the schedule was way too packed and is unfair on students.
Recently, a tweet by user @zaryyythopieee_ garnered plenty of support from Malaysians as he highlighted the ‘packed’ examination schedule.
“Between 7 and 11 March there are the English, History, Addmaths, Maths and Islamic studies exams without any gaps!”
“Is there no empathy? If you guys think we can change this let’s make the hashtag #UbahJadualSPM go viral.”
He added, “Not to mention the new format of new questions, teachers are no longer able to guess which chapters may come out and which chapters may not.”
“We have to memorise page to page because of the new questions. And there are papers on Friday and Sunday? Just wanted to clarify that we are students, students are humans.”
Several MPs in support of change
Zaryth’s tweet has garnered a lot of attention and currently stands on over 10,400 likes and 8,900 retweets at the time of writing.
Meanwhile, the issue regarding the compactness of the exam schedule has also received criticism from several members of Parliament. Former Minister of Youth and Sports Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman took to his social media pages to comment on it.
In a Facebook post yesterday (21 Nov), he said, “I hope that KPM will consider to reschedule the SPM examination schedule. My inbox is currently flooded with SPM students complaining that the schedule is too packed.”
“Their schedule from March 7 to March 11 is very packed as it involves back -to -back core subjects. When such core subjects are back to back, students will be stressed because they do not have time to do revision. Many students are so stressed that some commit suicide.”
“I was also told that this year’s SPM uses the new KSSM syllabus and the students are unable to review past year papers,” he added.
“I request for the MOE to review the SPM examination schedule. Give them some gap for the core papers. This is the only opportunity they have before moving on to the next phase of life.”
Additionally, former Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik in response to the comments by several students have said that he will be bringing up the issue in Parliament.
Online petition demanding change has over 21k signatures
The backlash against the exam schedule has also led to the creation of an online petition which has demanded for change. The petition titled ‘#SemakSemulaJadualSPM2022’ currently sits on over 21,000 signatures since its creation just five days ago.
The petition’s creator, Anora AH says in the description, “The 2022 SPM schedule is too hectic. It is not kind to students, parents, and teachers.”
“Please have mercy on our future leaders! They have been through relentless changes and it is a pity to mark their 11 years of journey with this super hectic schedule. “
“On one end we are advocating for mental health and at the same time, we have our very own Malaysian Squid Game SPM schedule. Have mercy and be kind, please,” reads the description.
Do you agree? Let us know in the comments.
Also read: Back To School! MOE Releases Academic Calendar For 2022/2023
