Kuala lumpur: Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) results have remained stable despite the discontinuation of the Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR) and Pentaksiran Tingkatan Tiga (PT3) exams. Deputy Minister of Education Wong Kah Woh reported on the stability of SPM results during the Dewan Rakyat question session.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, an analysis of SPM results from 2023 and 2024 indicates that the removal of UPSR and PT3 has not negatively impacted the students' performance in SPM. Wong highlighted that the Ujian Akhir Sesi Akademik (UASA), which has replaced the abolished exams, adheres to the standards and specifications set by the Examination Board, allowing educators to comprehensively assess student performance.
In a related discussion, Wong addressed the issue of dropout rates based on data from the Sistem Pengesanan Murid Berisiko Cicir (SiPKPM). The current dropout rate stands at 0.05 percent for primary schools and 0.59 percent for secondary schools. To combat this, the Ministry of Education (MOE) is implementing various initiatives, including the Comprehensive Special Model Schools K9 and K11.
Wong stated that there are currently 30 K9 schools, and the MOE has expanded the K11 model to five schools with the aim of reducing dropout rates during the transition from Form 3 to Form 4. Additionally, the ministry provides 18 types of schooling assistance, such as travel and transport aid, life jackets for students using water transport, and the Supplementary Food Programme.
At the beginning of the 2024/2025 session, RM100 million in aid was distributed to 583 remote schools across Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak. Wong emphasized that the SiPKPM has been enhanced with an artificial intelligence (AI) application since May, which helps identify at-risk students and tailor interventions based on their interests and learning pathways.
He expressed confidence that these consolidated efforts will ensure all children, particularly those in remote and rural areas, have access to education without facing logistical barriers.