KUCHING: Sarawak has recorded notable improvements in the 2024 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) results, reflecting significant progress in both student performance and overall academic quality.
These achievements underscore the ongoing efforts of the Sarawak Education Department (JPN) to drive academic excellence across the state.
Announcing the results, Sarawak Education Director, Omar Mahli, said Sarawak’s performance this year had improved across all key indicators compared to the previous year.
“Despite the overall improvement, 800 SPM candidates were absent from all examination subjects, which automatically disqualified them from obtaining their certificates,” he said during a press conference at the JPN headquarters today.
He explained that many of the absentee students had opted not to sit for the exams due to long-term illnesses or because they had entered the workforce to support their families.
“These students had already decided not to take the exams for various reasons. Many are now working, while others are facing chronic illnesses,” he said.
Omar praised the commitment shown by schools in attempting to bring these students back.
“I received reports of teachers visiting students at their homes and even workplaces to persuade them to return and sit for the exams. This is the level of dedication shown by our principals and teachers,” he added.
He also noted that post-mortem analyses were conducted by school principals and subject teachers to identify the causes of absenteeism and to plan follow-up actions based on each student’s circumstances.
“Whether in urban or rural areas, we still face challenges with students working instead of attending school. Some have taken jobs in cities, regardless of where they live.
“In many cases, we’ve offered hostel accommodations and food assistance to help them return,” he said.
Omar further revealed that some students who missed the exams were battling serious health issues such as cancer.
These students are allowed to defer their exams and reapply when they are ready, just like those who choose to resit for better grades.
He also called on parents, communities, and the private sector to work together in addressing student absenteeism.
“Parents, the community, and the private sector must understand the underlying reasons behind absenteeism. If the root cause lies within the school, we will not hesitate to address it.
“Our main goal is to provide every opportunity for students to complete their education. What matters most is seeing them finish school and graduate successfully,” Omar stressed.
