MUKAH – In a landmark move following the abolition of UPSR, Sarawak today commenced the Sarawak Primary 6 Dual Language Programme Assessment (UP-DLPS 6) across the state. The two-day exam runs until 16 October 2025, involving 29,177 Primary Six pupils.
The examination was heralded by the Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Skills Development, Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, as a pivotal step for Sarawak’s education system. He described the day as “historic … for the Sarawak Government, but also for all students and teachers.”
Dr Annuar explained that the assessment has three core goals:
- To gauge progress in the Dual Language Programme (DLP) after six years of implementation.
- To identify performance levels in order to guide remedial action for schools needing improvement.
- To serve as one of the criteria for admission into Yayasan Sarawak International Schools.
During a visit to examination centres at SK Kampung Tellian and SK Kampung Petanak, Dr Annuar also inspected the newly completed school building at SK Kampung Petanak.
He was accompanied by Tellian assemblyman Royston Valentine and Mukah District Education Officer, Awang Yusri Awang Adeni.
The UP-DLPS 6 covers subjects such as Science and Mathematics (taught in English under DLP), as well as English Language.
All examination papers have reportedly been reviewed by Cambridge University Press and Assessment (CUPA) to ensure validity and reliability in alignment with international standards.
Education Minister Roland Sagah Wee Inn noted that the results will be instrumental in designing customised intervention programmes to refine teaching and learning in DLP schools across Sarawak.
Looking ahead, authorities plan to continue UP-DLPS assessments annually and expand them to Form Three students in the same cohort by 2028.
Logistical challenges were acknowledged, especially in remote schools (Category P3) with limited access via waterways or difficult terrain. Careful timing and security of exam materials are crucial to safeguard exam integrity.
With this shift, Sarawak positions itself to move beyond UPSR and recalibrate how student competency is measured, especially in bilingual curriculum settings. The success and reception of UP-DLPS 6 will likely influence future education policy in the state.
