Malaysian schools to resume academic year in January 2026

THE 2026 academic calendar for national and government-aided schools will commence in January, marking a return to pre-pandemic scheduling, the Ministry of Education has announced.

Schools in Group A states—Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu—will open on 11 January 2026, while those in Group B states, including Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Johor, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Pulau Pinang, Sabah, Sarawak, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Labuan, and Putrajaya, will start a day later on 12 January.

Minister of Education Fadhlina Sidek described the phased approach as a carefully coordinated effort that does not disrupt the operations of educational institutions.

“It is the result of meticulous planning and the unwavering commitment of the education community at all levels. This initiative underscores the Ministry of Education’s determination to prioritise the well-being of students, teachers, and the entire school community,” she said in a statement on Tuesday.

The 2026 Academic Calendar is available for download on the Ministry’s official portal. The shift back to a January start follows disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, which had previously moved the academic year to March for several years. - October 28, 2025