KUCHING: The Ujian Penilaian Dual Language Programme Sarawak (UP-DLP Sarawak) marks a major milestone in the implementation of the Dual Language Programme in Sarawak, reflecting the Sarawak Government’s commitment to strengthening both subject mastery and language proficiency among students.

The assessment was implemented following formal approval from the Ministry of Education, Putrajaya, in line with the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), allowing Sarawak to conduct a state-based assessment under the DLP Sarawak framework.

A statement from the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Sarawak (MEITD) said the development and implementation of UP-DLP Sarawak involved close coordination among multiple stakeholders, including the Ministry of Education, Putrajaya; Sarawak State Education Department; schools and educators statewide; Swinburne Innovation Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (SWIM) as the implementing agency; partner institutions i-CATS University College and University of Technology Sarawak (UTS); as well as examination, security, logistics agencies, parents, and students.

"Despite regulatory and operational constraints, the assessment was implemented in full compliance with national examination standards and Ministry of Education requirements, ensuring credibility, recognition, and continuity for students.

"Comprehensive preparations were undertaken, including the development of guidelines, establishment of committees, strict examination security protocols, statewide briefings, online registration, question setting and vetting, printing, distribution, supervision, and marking processes.

"Statewide logistics and security operations were successfully carried out, including in remote and rural areas, through strong inter-agency cooperation, with student safety and examination integrity as top priorities," MEITD said in the statement.

The successful implementation of UP-DLP Sarawak demonstrates the capability of Sarawak’s education system, the professionalism of its educators, and the readiness
of students to undertake structured, standardised assessments.

The Ministry appreciates the comments and suggestions received from certain quarters to review UP-DLP Sarawak. However, the current framework will be retained,
as implementation must remain within the legal framework of the Ministry of Education’s approval.

"This is also necessary to avoid confusion among teachers, students, and parents, given that the existing system is already well established and generally accepted by all parties," it continued.

"The reintroduction of centralised assessments at Year 4 (from 2026) and the continuation of the Form 3 assessment reinforce the role of standardised evaluations
in ensuring equity, comparability, and quality assurance nationwide.

"Within this context, UP-DLP Sarawak stands as an early, MA63-aligned initiative, implemented with the approval of the Ministry of Education while reflecting Sarawak’s
educational aspirations."

The successful execution of UP-DLP Sarawak demonstrates Sarawak’s institutional readiness, technical capability, and governance maturity in administering standardised assessments within the national framework. - UKASnews