Kuala Lumpur: The Ministry of Education (MoE) is poised to present a policy mandating compulsory secondary education in Parliament next month. This initiative aims at tackling issues such as absenteeism, dropout rates, and the overall quality of education.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek emphasized that the policy was introduced to ensure that students remain in school, particularly during critical periods like the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination. Efforts to encourage school attendance have been ongoing, with initiatives like the Cakna Ziarah programme being implemented at the community level.

Minister Fadhlina noted during a press conference at the presentation of the 2025 Early Schooling Aid that while the SPM examination continues until February 6, attendance data are still being finalized. Earlier this year, she reported approximately 10,000 candidates had not yet confirmed their participation in the annual examination. The attendance rate for SPM 2024 candidates stood at 97 percent, with hopes for further improvement.

Fadlina also urged parents and guardians of 2024 SPM candidates to ensure their children's participation in the examination. Addressing concerns about a potential leak of the SPM 2024 History examination paper, Fadlina assured that the MoE had implemented measures to maintain the exam's integrity. On January 9, the Education Ministry declared that the allegations regarding the History paper leak were unsubstantiated.