PUTRAJAYA: The school academic year for 2022 will begin in March, says Education Minister Datuk Dr Radzi Jidin.

       He said students and pupils will remain in their current Year and Form until February 2022, before moving to the following session in March 2022.

       “This two-month period will be used by the ministry to gauge students’ mastery level of their subjects.

       "We will provide help, support and assessments to ensure they are ready for the next level when the time comes.

       “This is a new method for us to overcome the problem of having some students who may be behind in their studies.

       “The next school year will be known as the 2022/2023 school session,” he said, adding that the 2021 year-end school holidays will begin on Dec 10 until Dec 31.

       Radzi was speaking at the announcement of the new school standard operating procedures (SOPs) on Sunday (Sept 12).