Malaysian students in international schools must study Bahasa Melayu (BM) and History using the national curriculum, under a policy announced on 20 January 2026. The Ministry of Education says the subjects are mandatory for Malaysian citizens, while it described SPM as optional. Detailed hours and assessment rules had not been published by September 2026.
What did Malaysia announce?
A requirement for BM and History across all education streams. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced it on 20 January 2026 at the launch of the National Education Plan (Rancangan Pendidikan Negara) 2026–2035. All schools, “including religious, international and private institutions”, must offer BM and History “as per the national curriculum for all Malaysian students”, “during official school hours” (FMT).
Do international school students have to sit SPM BM and History?
The messages have differed. The Prime Minister said: “Even those in international schools must sit for the SPM Bahasa Melayu and Malaysian History examination” (The Star, 21 January 2026). Two days later, the Ministry of Education clarified that Malaysian students in private and international schools “must study Bahasa Melayu and History using the national curriculum”. The NST headline for the clarification read “SPM optional, but BM and History mandatory for all Malaysian students” (NST).
For university entry the position is firmer. In May 2026, Higher Education Minister Zambry Abd Kadir said “SPM remains compulsory even for students from those streams. This is because our UPU assessment is based on SPM results” (The Sun). That covers entry to public universities through the UPU system.
| Question | Position in 2026 statements |
|---|---|
| Who it applies to | Malaysian citizens in all streams, including international schools |
| What they study | BM and History using the national curriculum, in school hours |
| SPM for school purposes | Described as optional by the Ministry’s clarification |
| SPM for public university entry (UPU) | “Remains compulsory” (Higher Education Minister) |
| Hours, year groups, assessment format | Not yet published |
Who does the mandate affect?
Malaysian students, a large share of international school enrolment. In a 2024 parliamentary reply, the Education Minister reported 88,951 students in international schools as at 31 May 2024. Of these, 59,726 were Malaysian citizens (67.1%) and 29,225 non-citizens. Malaysian enrolment rose 34% between 2019 and 2024 (FMT). The statements refer to Malaysian students; none applies the rule to expatriate students.
International schools have admitted Malaysians without a quota since 2012, when “the quota of 40 per cent has been abolished” (British Council). That growth is why the mandate matters so much to the sector.
What has the government said about implementation?
That it is working with the sector, without published detail yet. On 30 January 2026, government spokesman Fahmi Fadzil said meetings with international school and other representatives “went very well, and the government’s implementation plan was broadly accepted” (Bernama). In February 2026, ministers told Parliament a joint steering committee had been formed and a session held with international school groups on 4 February. The ministries were reviewing “learning assessment, examinations and quality monitoring, particularly for international schools” (The Star). A 2027 date mentioned in coverage refers to new Form 3 assessments, not to the BM and History mandate itself.
What should IGCSE schools in Malaysia plan now?
Timetable space and teaching capacity, before the detail arrives:
- Count Malaysian students by year group, since the requirement follows citizenship.
- Plan timetable space for BM and History within school hours, protecting IGCSE and A Level options.
- Recruit or develop teachers qualified to teach the national curriculum in BM and History.
- Advise families on SPM. Students aiming for public universities through UPU should plan for SPM BM and History alongside IGCSE.
- Watch for the Ministry’s circular setting hours, year groups and assessment.
IGCSE vs SPM: how do they fit together?
As parallel qualifications with different uses. IGCSE is a Cambridge or Pearson Edexcel qualification sat in the June and November series. SPM is Malaysia’s national certificate, which public universities use for UPU admission. The 2026 policy means Malaysian students in international schools may need both: IGCSE for international progression, and SPM BM and History where they target Malaysian public universities. IGCSE exam dates follow the boards’ series. See the mock exam calendar.
How schools do this with AI Buddy
When timetable time moves to national subjects, IGCSE time gets tighter. AI Buddy gives students past-paper-style IGCSE practice with instant marking between lessons, and teachers topic-level data to target the time they have. BM and History teaching remain the school’s own.
Frequently asked questions
Do international schools in Malaysia have to teach Bahasa Melayu and History?
Yes, for Malaysian students, using the national curriculum, under the policy announced on 20 January 2026.
Must international school students sit SPM?
The Ministry’s clarification described SPM as optional, while the Higher Education Minister said SPM remains compulsory for entry to public universities through UPU.
Does the BM and History rule apply to expatriate students?
The statements refer to Malaysian students; none applies it to non-citizens.
When does the requirement start?
It was announced in January 2026 as a current requirement. Detailed hours, year groups and assessment rules had not been published by September 2026.
For more countries, see Cambridge & Edexcel Schools by Country.
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Sources
- Free Malaysia Today, BM, History required for all students in Malaysia (20 January 2026)
- The Star, Bahasa Melayu and History a must (21 January 2026) and Govt preparing for BM and History across all streams (9 February 2026)
- New Straits Times, MOE: SPM optional, but BM and History mandatory (January 2026)
- Bernama, Implementation plan broadly accepted (30 January 2026); The Sun, BM, History compulsory for IPTA entry (15 May 2026)
- Free Malaysia Today, Increase in students in international schools (9 July 2024); British Council, No more quota (2012)