THERE are no plans to scrap the Malaysian University English Test (MUET), which are taken by students who want to enrol in public universities.

Deputy Education Minister Teo Nie Ching said the government will retain MUET, as the prerequisite for public university entry for form six pupils.

Since its introduction in 1999 to boost English proficiency at the pre-university level to reduce the burden of universities teaching the language to ensure students can cope with classes and reading materials, MUET has gained international recognition, she said.

Last year, MUET was aligned with the Common European Framework Reference (CEFR) by the Cambridge English Language Assessment (CELA), a department of the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom.

“Since the test is internationally recognised, it should be retained,” she said, adding that the country should be proud of the Malaysian-developed exam.

Teo was answering Shabudin Yahaya (Tasek Gelugor-PH), who asked if MUET would be retained or reviewed.

In his supplementary question, Shabudin said MUET was a hindrance to those who scored good results, except for the test itself.

“Some courses set the minimum MUET result requirement at Band 4. In some cases, there are form six students who are outstanding in their studies, but failed to earn Band 4.

“As a result, despite their potential, they could not get into the courses they want,” he said.

The bands in MUET reflect students’ level of listening, speaking, reading and writing in English. 

Those who score Band 1 are categorised as extremely limited users; Band 2 limited users; and Band 3 modest users. Those scoring Bands 4 to 6 are good, very good and excellent users.

For MUET, Teo said the government set the minimum result requirement at Band 2.

Certain courses, like law and medicine, however, have a higher requirement.

Teo said with MUET exams conducted more frequently now, students have the opportunity to take the test multiple times to improve their results. – April 9, 2019.