KAJANG, April 24 — The Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) 2024 results are a clear indicator of improved national education quality, but several segments need improvement, said Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek.
She said these include attendance rates, the performance gap between urban and rural candidates, and pass rates for core subjects such as Bahasa Malaysia and History, which are compulsory to obtain an SPM certificate.
“Attendance for this exam is one of the more significant aspects, in my view, as the interventions we implemented have helped reduce absenteeism to some extent.
“There are measures to bridge the urban-rural achievement gap, as well as efforts to ensure continuous improvement in pass rates for Bahasa Malaysia and History.
“There are many areas that need improvement, and we take these matters seriously to ensure even better results in future,” she told reporters after attending the SPM 2024 results slip presentation ceremony at SMK Convent (M) Kajang today.
Fadhlina also expressed hope that this year’s strong performance will inspire teachers to continue prioritising quality teaching and subject mastery in the classroom.
Earlier, Education Ministry director-general Datuk Azman Adnan announced that the SPM 2024 results marked the best performance since 2013, with the national average grade improving to 4.49 from 4.6 in 2023.
He said 14,179 candidates obtained distinctions (Grades A+, A and A-) in all subjects, compared with 11,713 the previous year.
In another development, Fadhlina dismissed concerns the government is sidelining languages such as Tamil and Chinese in schools, amid proposals to expand the range of elective languages offered.
“These foreign languages are already being offered as electives at the school level, including German, French and several others.
“There is no issue of sidelining any language. In vernacular schools, Tamil and Chinese remain key languages alongside Bahasa Malaysia as the national language,” she said.
Previously, Fadhlina reportedly said Malaysia is expanding elective language offerings in schools to include Asean languages such as Thai, Khmer, and Vietnamese, to promote regional cooperation.
— Bernama
