KUCHING: Sarawak recorded its best Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) performance to date, with the state’s average grade point (GPN) improving to 4.84 in 2024, up from 4.92 the previous year.
This achievement marks the highest performance since Bahasa Melayu and History were made compulsory pass subjects in 2013, said Sarawak Education Department director Omar Mahli at the official announcement held at the department’s headquarters on Thursday.
A total of 32, 239 candidates from schools under the Ministry of Education Malaysia sat for the SPM 2024 in Sarawak, across 255 examination centres.
Despite the lower number, 94.11 per cent of candidates qualified for SPM certification, the highest percentage since the mandatory pass requirement was implemented.
“This reflects the dedication and collaboration of school administrators, teachers, parents, and candidates themselves,” Omar said during a press conference.
He also congratulated the 821 candidates who secured straight A’s, representing a 0.32 per cent improvement from the previous year.
Urban candidates continued to outperform their rural counterparts, with a GPN of 4.46 compared to 5.11 in rural areas.
However, the gap between urban and rural performance narrowed slightly to 0.65 points.
In addition, 28 schools achieved a 100 per cent certification rate, a notable increase from 19 schools in 2023.
These included top performers such as SMK Long Bedian (Baram), SMK St Mary’s (Kuching), SMK Agama Limbang (Limbang), and SM Sains Miri (Miri).
Out of 79 subjects offered in Sarawak, 42 subjects recorded improved performance, while 33 declined.
English registered the highest improvement among core subjects with a 0.18-point increase, although History saw a marginal dip of 0.04 points.
In the STEM stream, Chemistry led the gains with a 0.40-point improvement, while Engineering Drawing recorded the most significant rise among applied sciences at 0.68 points.
Among vocational subjects, Arc and Gas Welding saw the highest growth at 0.64 points.
As for the Special Needs Education (CBPK) candidates, 86 candidates took the exams, which translates to 67.72%, up from 65.85% in 2023.
The SPM 2024 assessments were further validated through collaborations with international bodies, including Cambridge University Press and Assessment and the Institute of Accountants and Bookkeepers (IAB), both from the United Kingdom.
Accounting students also had the opportunity to gain the Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping and Accounting from the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), while Quran memorisation candidates could qualify for the KPM Tahfiz Certificate in partnership with JAKIM.
Omar urged candidates to view the results as a stepping stone to future success, reminding those who fell short of expectations not to be disheartened.
“Every result, whether expected or not, should inspire further growth.
“Our students are the future, and it is our shared responsibility to continue supporting them as they pursue their dreams.”
