School assessment postponed as haze sparks MOE move to prioritise student health and safety

A security guard seen on routine patrol following temporary school closure due to haze in Seremban Oct 9, 2026. — Bernama pic

First Published: Friday, 16 Oct 2026 10:37 AM MYT

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 16 — The End-of-Academic-Session Assessment (UASA), scheduled to take place next week, has been postponed due to the haze currently affecting the country.

In a statement yesterday, the Ministry of Education (MOE) announced that this decision was made after taking into account the concerns of parents and guardians regarding the health and safety of their children specifically those required to attend school to sit for the assessment.

According to the Ministry, as the UASA is a school-based assessment, schools are granted the flexibility to reschedule the assessment dates.

“The new schedule will be communicated to parents and guardians,” the statement read.

MOE also acknowledged the dilemma faced by parents and guardians, who must balance their children’s health with the need to ensure they do not miss the assessment.

“MOE understands the dilemma faced by parents. They wish to protect their children’s health, yet are simultaneously concerned that absence from school might cause their children to miss the assessment,” the statement noted.

The Ministry emphasised that the health and safety of students remain the top priority, while also ensuring that the assessment process can be carried out in an orderly manner. — Bernama