KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 13 — A total of 8,076 candidates for the 2024 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) exam were reportedly absent for all written papers as of February 6, said the Education Ministry (MOE).
In a written reply published on the Parliament website today, the ministry said that of the total, 6,231 were candidates from schools under the MOE.
“Based on an analysis from the School Attendance Management Application, the main reasons for candidates’ absence during the 2024 SPM exam include working, family issues, health problems, death, and moving abroad,” it said.
It said this in response to a question from Datuk Ahmad Yunus Hairi (PN-Kuala Langat), who asked about the reasons behind the SPM absenteeism and measures taken to address the issue.
To address absenteeism among SPM candidates, the MOE said it has implemented several interventions, including daily monitoring through the Student Attendance System in the Student Database Application to facilitate school-level intervention.
In addition, it has activated a task force, while student status is being monitored through a dashboard to ensure attendance in the SPM exam and optimise appropriate interventions.
“Focused activities, such as the Ziarah Cakna Programme and parent consultation sessions, are also being implemented. This collective effort reflects the optimal action taken by all parties,” said the MOE.
The MOE has also implemented early detection measures for Form 4 students who are at risk of dropping out, to ensure their attendance in the 2025 SPM exam.
— Bernama
