Malaysian Schools to Start Term in January Beginning 2026

The Malaysian Ministry of Education is taking a step towards normalcy in the education system by announcing a change to the academic calendar. Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek has confirmed that starting from 2026, the school term will begin in January once again. This decision comes in response to the significant disruptions faced by schools across the country due to the COVID-19 pandemic that emerged in early 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns had forced the Malaysian government to adjust the academic year, with the term commencing in March instead of January. However, this alteration had far-reaching consequences for schools, students, and educators alike. The pandemic posed unprecedented challenges to the education system, forcing schools to opt for remote learning and hybrid models to ensure continued education. Nevertheless, these measures were not without difficulties, as limited access to digital resources and internet connectivity hindered the learning process for many students. Even when schools fully reopened in 2023, the delayed start of the academic year in March disrupted the traditional educational timeline. This negatively impacted examination schedules and university admissions procedures. This disruption added stress and uncertainty to students preparing for important exams and transitioning to higher education. To mitigate the negative effects of the disrupted academic calendar, the Ministry of Education has made the decision to revert to a January start for the academic year, starting in 2026. By reinstating the January start, schools will have more time to plan and prepare for the academic year, resulting in a smoother transition and improved educational experiences for students. The Ministry of Education's decision to return to a January start for the school term from 2026 onwards is a significant step towards normalising the education system in Malaysia. With this return to normalcy, school-going children in Malaysia can once again resume their studies as they did before the pandemic. For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!

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