High MUET band could decrease undergraduate intake, says UUM VC

Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) vice-chancellor Prof. Datuk Dr Mohamed Mustafa Ishak expressed his concern following government's new entry requirements for the Malaysian University English Test (MUET).

According to the UUM VC, local universities may face a drop in the number of students enrolling for several courses because the new entrance requirement, which comes into effect next year, would require students to achieve a Band 2 to 5 in MUET, depending on the course of study.

He added that about 30 per cent of students in local universities achieved Band 3, 4, and 5 in MUET, while the remainder had Band 1 and 2, presently. Those who have Band 1 to 2 take English classes at the university to improve their language proficiency.

Nevertheless, he agrees with government's decision to raise the MUET entry requirements. Furthermore, he proposes that Mathematics and Science subjects should be taught in English to ensure that students can study and master the language well before they start tertiary studies.

"The ministry does not have to bring down the passing grade of MUET because it is important to ensure the standard of English used in universities. There is no point lowering the passing grade of Band 2 because this means they have failed to master the language," he said.

He said he hoped the ministry would implement the move successfully so that students entering universities would be proficient in English.