A complete guide to SPM Malay—are you hoping for a guide like this to finally break everything down for you?
SPM examinations can feel overwhelming, especially since Malay is one of the core subjects you must pass to obtain your Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia certificate alongside History (Sejarah). This certificate plays a crucial role in unlocking future opportunities, from applying to local universities to pursuing international study options.
Whether you are aiming for a solid pass or an A+, the most important thing to do is to get your BM strategy right.
But you’re not alone in this.
In this guide, you’ll find practical advice, examples, and links to in-depth articles covering aspects of the SPM Malay subject. If you’re a student in Malaysia or a parent supporting your child’s education, this Superprof guide is designed to help you navigate SPM preparations with clarity and confidence.
Are you ready to dive in? Let’s get started.
A Complete Guide to SPM Malay at a Glance :
- An Overview of SPM Malay Format
- Key Skills to Focus on for SPM Malay
- Common Topics & Themes in SPM Malay
- Marking scheme for Bahasa Melayu SPM 2025
- Where to find the SPM past year questions and answers for Bahasa Melayu
- How to get the best SPM result in Bahasa Melayu
- A+ Flexible Study Plan for SPM Bahasa Melayu
- Exam Day Tips for SPM Malay
- Beyond Secondary Education: Preparing for STPM, University, and Foundation Programmes
- FAQs on a Complete Guide to SPM Malay
1. An Overview of SPM Malay Format
As of the current examination cycle (2025), the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia’s Malay paper comprises four papers testing a range of skills, including writing, reading, speaking, and listening.
You’ll find a clear summary of each paper below:
| Paper | Components | Duration | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bahasa Melayu Kertas 1 (1103/1) | Essay Writing (Kemahiran Menulis/ Karangan) | 2 hours | Section A: 30 marks Section B: 70 marks |
| Bahasa Melayu Kertas 2 (1103/2) | Comprehension, Grammar, and Literature (Kemahiran Membaca) | 2 hours 30 minutes | Section A: 35 marks Section B: 35 marks Section C: 30 marks |
| Bahasa Melayu Kertas 3 (1103/3) | Oral Examination (Kemahiran Bertutur) | 3-5 minutes (individual) 12-15 minutes (group) | Section A: 40 marks Section B: 30 marks |
| Bahasa Melayu Kertas 4 (1103/4) | Listening Test (Kemahiran Mendengar) | 30 minutes | 30 marks |
If you’d like an in-depth look at the structure and format of each paper, check out our separate guide: What is the SPM Malay Format 2025?
2. Key Skills to Focus on for SPM Malay
Doing well in SPM Malay requires more than just memorising notes. You’ll need to master these core skills across the four papers:
i. Writing (Karangan - Kertas 1)
Kertas 1 has two parts:
- Bahagian A: You need to answer only one question, which is a combination of stimulus-guided materials. You have to observe stimuli such as pictures of real-life objects, poem excerpts, online posts, posters, newspaper clippings, and so on.
- Bahagian B: You need to write a longer essay in this section, but you can only choose 1 out of the 4 questions in the paper. The questions in Bahagian B are now complete with short paragraphs in line with the requirements of each question.
The goal is to test how well you can organise, develop, and express your thoughts and ideas in the Malay language.
Skills needed:
- Understanding the question type: What the question is asking – is it narrative, factual, descriptive, or argumentative? Each type requires a different approach.
- Planning your essay: Before starting to write, spend a few minutes outlining your whole essay: introduction, content/key points/ (isi), and conclusion. Having a clear structure will help you to stay focused.
- Adding details and examples: Always support your ideas with details and relevant examples to avoid vague and general statements.
Tip: Practice writing one essay per week and ask a teacher or friend to give feedback. Don’t just memorise essays — learn the format and how to develop ideas clearly.
Learn how to master karangan writing with examples and tips: Decoding SPM Malay Essay Writing.
ii. Reading & Comprehension (Kertas 2)
Although Kertas 2 is also a written examination, it focuses on the ability to understand, apply, analyse, evaluate, and create meaning via reading skills. You will read texts like passages, poems, prose, short stories, proverbs (peribahasa), and excerpts from literature, then answer both limited-response and open-response subjective questions.
Skills needed:
- Read for main ideas: Understand what the passage is generally about.
- Understand clues in the text: Reading between the lines and interpreting implied meanings.
- Read the questions clearly: Answer what they are asking for directly and concisely. For example, when the question is asking to list (senaraikan), avoid writing long sentences.
Tip: Practice with newspaper articles and literature extracts from your textbook to build reading stamina and vocabulary.
iii. Speaking (Kertas 3)
Kertas 3 evaluates students' speaking skills as well as their level of understanding, application, analysis and creativity. This paper has two sections: Section A: Individual and Section B: Group. For both sections, you are required to deliver your ideas in front of an examiner according to the topics provided to you.
Skills needed:
- Confidence in speaking in Malay: Practice speaking in Malay aloud often on various topics like school, hobbies, or social issues.
- Organise your thoughts: Learn how to introduce your points, explain them with examples, and end with a conclusion.
- Group discussion etiquette: Respond respectfully, agree and disagree politely, and take turns without dominating the discussion.
Tip: Practice with friends or record yourself responding to a topic for 3–5 minutes. Then listen and reflect.
iv. Listening (Kertas 4)
The final paper, Kertas 4, is a listening test where you will listen to a short audio clip (a conversation, dialogue, or passage) and answer questions based on it. The audio clip will be played twice.
Skills needed:
- Pick out main ideas: You need to listen carefully to get the key points to the questions.
- Focus while listening: Train yourself to listen actively without getting distracted easily.
- Note-taking while the audio is playing: Learn to jot down brief points, keywords, numbers, names, short phrases, or anything that you find could be helpful later on while listening.
Tip: Practice listening to BM podcasts, BM news radio, or YouTube channels. Pause and replay segments to test understanding.
3. Common Topics & Themes in SPM Malay
Practising the popular exam topics and themes is an important part of the exam preparation strategy. Here are frequent themes and examples (but not limited to) that you should focus on when practising.
- Environment (Alam Sekitar): Topics include pollution, sustainability and efforts to protect nature.
- Family (Keluarga): Covers relationships within the family, the roles of parents, and the values in building a harmonious home.
- Education (Pendidikan): Discusses schooling, learning methods, lifelong education, and the importance of education in national development.
- Health & Lifestyle (Kesihatan & Gaya Hidup): Focuses on physical and mental health, balanced diets, exercise, healthy habits, and common illnesses among Malaysians.
- Technology & Social Media (Teknologi & Media Sosial): Pros and cons of technology and social media, and how they influence communication, lifestyle, and society.
- Culture (Budaya): Explores cultural heritage, traditions, customs, arts, and how these shape identity and unity in a multiracial society.
- Current Issues (Isu Semasa): Involves social, economic, and political issues affecting Malaysia and the world.
- Patriotism & Nation (Patriotisme & Negara): Highlights national unity, pride in national identity, citizens’ roles in contributing to the nation’s progress and stability.
4. Marking scheme for Bahasa Melayu SPM 2025
How are the SPM Malay papers scored? Generally, examiners use different scoring methods for each paper while considering the various marks for each section of the paper. Here is a summary example SPM marking scheme for all the papers in the Malay subject:
- Kertas 1 (1103/1): With 30 marks for Bahagian A and 70 marks for Bahagian B, Kertas 1 makes up a total of 100 marks.
- Kertas 2 (1103/2): The 100 marks for Kertas 2 can be broken down into 35 marks each for Bahagian A and Bahagian B, and 30 marks for Bahagian C.
- Kertas 3 (1103/3): For Kertas 3, which is a total of 70 marks, students score up to 40 marks in Bahagian A and 30 marks in Bahagian B.
- Kertas 4 (1103/4): The total points for this paper are 30 marks.
Questions are set at different levels of difficulty (Aras R, S, and T) to assess various skills. For detailed scoring methods and examiner tips, check our full guide: What is the SPM Malay Paper Marking Scheme?
Now that you've taken a look at the SPM Malay marking scheme, you can visit SAPS (Sistem Analisis Peperiksaan Sekolah) if you are a parent or guardian looking to check your child's SPM result.
5. Where to find the SPM past year questions and answers for Bahasa Melayu
Form 5 students often look for SPM past year question and answer sheets to excel in subjects, like Mathematics and Science and Bahasa Melayu.
Check out these resources:
- Carousell Malaysia: An online marketplace for Malaysians to buy and sell their items. You can search for SPM Malay papers under the Books and Stationery section. Look out for descriptions such as Used or New Items or Free Shipping, and use filters like condition, price, and deal options to find the papers that meet your preferred quality.
- Popular and MPH bookstores: These major bookstores sell model past year exam papers for various subjects in both paperback books and online resources. If you’re a member, you might get discounted prices on selected items.
- Facebook: An unconventional option yet useful platform—some teachers and students share SPM Malay papers here, for free. You may not be able to find the complete collection of the years; however, this platform is still a good option.
Want the full collection of SPM Bahasa Melayu past year question paper pdf? Check out these websites!
6. How to Get the Best SPM Result in Bahasa Melayu
Do you have plans to score well in SPM Malay? A strong SPM Bahasa Melayu result is not just about passing an exam; it plays a big role in your eligibility for STPM, university admission, and even foundation programmes. Whether you're aiming for local universities or planning to further your education abroad, you need to make sure that you’re securing the required grade in this subject. This will help you very much, especially when it comes to applying for local scholarships and educational loans.
You can start your journey with Superprof, which offers tutoring lessons for various levels—from IGCSE to SPM online tuition. Talking about SPM - Did you know that Superprof has over 1,700 tutors teaching subjects ranging from Science to various languages to Form 5 students?
Preparing for important exams like Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia or IGCSE requires the right support and consistent practice. Even though students can manage it on their own, sometimes they need external support, which is why many of them choose to take private tutoring courses to strengthen their language skills before pursuing higher education.
What is great about Superprof is that you can opt to take either face-to-face or webcam private lessons. Whether you prefer a tutor in your area or want the online tuition Malaysia experience, booking a class is simple—just sign up for a free account and connect with any tutor of your choice!
Not sure how qualified your tutors are in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia? Every tutor on Superprof is required to provide the details of their teaching experiences and education level. This information is then verified by Superprof before it goes up on the website. Plus, you can get to know your tutor by viewing their profile or reading reviews from other students.
So, if you’re working toward STPM, a foundation programme, or aiming for top universities, it’s worth investing in your Bahasa Melayu skills. Sign up with Superprof today and enjoy your first lesson FREE!
Discover a Malay language course for international students on Superprof!
7. A+ Flexible Study Plan for SPM Bahasa Melayu
Preparing for SPM can be overwhelming and stressful, especially when you’re juggling between school, tuition classes, extracurricular activities and multiple subjects to focus on. That’s why you need a study plan that’s not only effective, but also realistic, flexible and tailored to your day-to-day life.
This is not a one-size-fits-all schedule. It’s a guide you can adapt based on your own pace, energy levels, and study needs. You are in control here.
Shall we look at the study schedule template?
| Day | Focus Area | Time Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Karangan (Bahagian A): Practice brainstorming & intro writing | 1 hr |
| Tuesday | Tatabahasa + Vocabulary Builder | 30 mins |
| Wednesday | Kefahaman (Comprehension) – Do 1 past year text | 1 hr |
| Thursday | Karangan (Bahagian B) – Full essay (Choose A or B) | 1 hr |
| Friday | Rumusan | 30 mins |
| Saturday | Speaking + Listening Practice + Watch BM videos | 1 hr |
| Sunday | Review: Model essays, peribahasa, intro and conclusion samples | 1 hr |
Tips to Make It Fun and Doable
- Gamify Your Study
Use apps like Quizlet or Kahoot for vocabulary and idioms. Alternately, challenge a friend to a “BM idiom challenge” on WhatsApp with a prize to win.
- Mix Study Styles
Combine reading, writing, listening, and watching to add variety to the learning experience. For example, follow BM-speaking creators, listen to BM podcasts, or watch Malay news with subtitles.
- Use the Pomodoro Technique
Study for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. It’s great for focus without burning out.
- Keep a “Progress Tracker”
Creating a simple checklist will help you to stay on track with your goals for the day: "Done one Karangan this week", "Reviewed 10 proverbs", etc. Seeing your wins keeps you motivated.
Tweak it your way!
- Some weeks can be busier than others. You can always swap days or reduce your sessions or hours.
- Got extra time one weekend? Use that to prep for the following week and take a break midweek or simply just rest. You deserve it!
- Struggling with one area (e.g. Pemahaman)? Then spend 2 sessions on it next week instead of Tatabahasa. Swap it based on your needs and area to focus.
- Remember, it’s your study plan. Don’t copy others and expect it to work for you. People are different, so make it work for you!
- This sample template works for students across many levels, such as international schools Malaysia, pre university, foundation, and University.
Source: Malay Mail
8. Tips for SPM Malaysian Students on the Exam Day
After months of hard work and preparation, the last thing you want is for exam day nerves to get in the way. Unfortunately, many students failed to do their papers well, not because they didn’t prepare well, but because anxiety took over. They didn’t know how to calm their exam nerves. But don’t worry, with the right strategies, you can turn that anxiety into focus and confidence.
Here’s how to manage your time, energy, and mindset on the big day:
- Arrive early and prepared
- Aim to be at your school exam hall at least 30-45 minutes early.
- Bring extra stationery (in case one pen runs out of ink), your IC, and exam slip.
- Avoid chatting with friends about what they studied. This may cause unnecessary doubt and panic.
- Don’t skip breakfast on exam day
- Eat something light and energising (e.g, oats, banana, bread)
- Avoid heavy or sugary food that makes you feel sleepy or jittery.
- Divide your time wisely
For Kertas 1, allocate your time roughly like this:
- Bahagian A: 45 mins
- Bahagian B: 1 hr 15 mins
For Kertas 2:
- Don’t spend too much on any one section. Move on to the next section if you are unsure about a question, leaving some space in the answer sheet.
- Leave at least 10-15 minutes at the end to check your answers.
- Read the instructions carefully
- Underline key words in the question in all the papers. Understand the need, focus, and requirements of the question before answering.
- Stay focused
- Make a quick outline, whether a mind map or bullet points, before starting your karangan.
- Keep your essay on topic and make sure each main point is clearly connected to both the topic and the other points in your essay.
- Use IMBAKUP method in Kertas 1 Bahagian B
- This helps you organise your main points clearly, and the whole essay flows better.
- Check your answers
Do your best to leave 5-10 mins at the end to check:
- Spelling and grammar (ejaan dan tatabahasa)
- Punctuation and paragraphing (Tanda baca dan perenggan)
- Subject-verb agreement (kata kerja dan subjek)
- Stay calm during the oral test (Ujian Bertutur)
- Take a quiet, calming breath before speaking.
- If you’re stuck, ask for a few seconds to think before answering. Don’t panic.
- Maintain eye contact and speak with confidence, even if you’re unsure, ok?
- Be confident in yourself
- Trust your preparation and, most importantly, trust yourself.
- You’re allowed to feel nervous on that day, but you also need to remind yourself that you’re ready for this.
- Don’t think about it — after the exam
- Avoid discussing how your friends answered the paper. Once it’s done, don’t dwell on it. It’ll divert your energy from the preparations for other papers.
- Take a rest and focus your energy on the next paper.
9. Beyond Secondary Education: Preparing for STPM, University, and Foundation Programmes
Scoring well in SPM Bahasa Melayu or IGCSE opens the door to multiple pathways beyond secondary school, such as STPM, foundation programmes, and entry into both local and international universities. Many university studies, especially in Malaysia, look for credit in Bahasa Melayu when reviewing applications for foundation, pre-university levels, or even a Diploma.
Whether you're planning to pursue STPM, an A-Level, or an international university Diploma, Bahasa Melayu remains a valuable subject for the reasons shared earlier. Some universities also expect students to pass their national language subject at the secondary level before pursuing international degree programmes, even in fields like science, business, or engineering, regardless of your goal. In short, be it a local foundation course, STPM, or applying to international universities, investing in your Malay language performance is a step toward future success.
Enjoyed this article? Leave a rating!
Loading...
Hi,
I am a foreigner and married to a Malaysian. I am going to start working in the health care sector. I would like to study for and take SPM Malay so that I may be more assimilated into Malaysian life and built rapport with my patients.
May I check if foreigners can take Malay SPM?