Kajang: The Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) 2024 examination results indicate an enhancement in the quality of national education, though certain areas still demand attention, according to Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek. She emphasized the need for improvements in attendance rates, the urban-rural performance gap, and the pass rates for core subjects like Bahasa Melayu and History, which are essential for obtaining the SPM certificate.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fadhlina stated that the interventions implemented have reduced absenteeism, but further efforts are required. She highlighted the importance of bridging the urban-rural achievement gap and improving pass rates for key subjects. Speaking at the SPM 2024 Results Slip Presentation Ceremony at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Convent (M) Kajang, she stressed the commitment to addressing these issues to achieve better future results.

Fadhlina also expressed optimism that the strong performance this year would motivate teachers to focus on quality teaching and mastery of subjects. Earlier, Education director-general Datuk Azman Adnan announced that the SPM 2024 results represented the best performance since 2013, with the National Average Grade improving to 4.49 from 4.60 in 2023. A total of 14,179 candidates achieved distinctions in all subjects, compared to 11,713 candidates the previous year.

In response to concerns about the government’s language policy in schools, Fadhlina assured that languages such as Tamil and Chinese are not being sidelined. She noted that these languages remain key alongside Bahasa Melayu, and elective languages like German and French are available. Malaysia is also expanding elective language offerings to include ASEAN languages such as Thai, Khmer, and Vietnamese to enhance regional cooperation.