Recording process for SPM listening test was done long before, says Fadhlina

BANGI - The voice recording process for the English Listening Test (UMBI) of the Malaysian Education Certificate (SPM) 2022 was done a long before the voice actor became a TikTok influencer, so this is a non-issue said Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek.

She, however, said that she was aware of all the complaints received about the voice actor who was employed for the test.

"I want to reaffirm that the test process of recording has already been implemented way before. So there are no issues with the use of TikTok influencers.

"Secondly, the Examination Board (LP) and the Malaysian Education Ministry (KPM) are ensuring that the integrity issue is properly taken into account in all aspects of the legitimacy, validity, and credibility of the recorded voice," he said.

She told reporters after visiting SPM 2022 students at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Jalan Empat, Bandar Baru Bangi, here on Monday.

Video of the influencer went viral on social media after netizens questioned the credibility of the voice actor as examination candidates complained of difficulties during the test because the individual's speech was unclear and fast.

On Sunday, LP denied the allegation of using a TikTok influencer as a voice actor for UMBI SPM 2022.

LP informed me that the speakers used in constructing the UMBI SPM 2022 items or instruments consist of teachers, lecturers, school students, or university students, as well as those who are competent in speaking English.

Therefore, Fadhlina said, the ministry will make improvements in producing UMBI SPM 2022 items or instruments.

"God willing, we will improve from time to time because the recording process was carried out a long time ago, so the issue of 'TikToker' is no issue at all," she said.

Earlier, Fadhlina visited the school to motivate the SPM candidates and inspect the school's preparation since it was the first day of the exam.