The different dates are based on the observance of the weekend break in the various states.

The ministry has classified Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu as Group A states, where the next school year will commence on Sunday, March 19 and end on March 9, 2024.

For all other states and federal territories, which are categorised as Group B, the next school year will start on Monday, March 20 and end on March 10, 2024.

The ministry said that the decision to postpone the 2023/2024 school year by one week – it was originally scheduled to start on March 12 or March 13 – was to ensure that the SPM examinations would be carried out smoothly.

The ministry explained that the 2023/2024 school year would start in March to ensure that it is in line with its regulations which require a school year to run for at least 190 days.

It also said the ministry took note of suggestions by various parties to start the school year in January as in the past but decided to postpone it to minimise the impact on students in some states who are facing the monsoon season.

“Implementing SPM examinations during the monsoon would add pressure to students, teachers, and parents,” it said.

“If the SPM is held in February or March, the waiting period for students to enter universities will also be shortened.”