KLUANG: Some Malaysian youths are wrongly assuming that they can find well-paying jobs without passing their SPM, especially in Singapore due to the exchange rate, says Datuk Wong You Fong.
The Wanita MCA chief said that to work in Singapore, an individual must at least pass their SPM, equivalent to the O Level examination there.
"Youth in the country should remember that they must at least complete their basic education by passing their SPM examinations before considering other pursuits," she said at the Johor Wanita MCA Chinese New Year gathering at a restaurant on Saturday (Feb 15).
Wong was expressing concern over a recent report that over 8,000 students were absent from all their written papers in the recently concluded SPM examinations.
"This is why guidance must come from the Education Ministry, schools, and parents to advise students to complete their basic education first," she added.
On Thursday (Feb 13), Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek told the Dewan Rakyat that 8,076 SPM examination students were absent from all their written papers as of Feb 6, 2025.
She said her ministry views the issue of absenteeism among SPM candidates seriously.
"Based on the ministry's data up to Feb 6, 2025, 8,076 candidates were reported absent for all written examination papers, of which 6,231 were from schools under the Education Ministry."
"The official attendance data for the 2024 SPM examination will only be released on the day the results are announced," she said in reply to a question from Datuk Dr Ahmad Yunus Hairi (PN-Kuala Langat).
Fadhlina said for the 2024 SPM examination, 386,739 new candidates registered for at least six subjects, with 345,129 from schools under the Education Ministry.
"According to an analysis from the School Attendance Management Application, the main reasons for students not attending the 2024 SPM examination include working, family issues, health problems, death, and relocation abroad," she revealed.
