KAJANG: The Education Ministry is doubling down on targeted interventions to ensure this year’s batch of SPM candidates is as well prepared and resilient as last year’s cohort, says Fadhlina Sidek.
The Education Minister said the strong performance of the SPM 2025 cohort – the first to go through the system without the Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR) and Pentaksiran Tingkatan 3 (PT3) examinations – shows they are a strong, resilient generation.
She said among the measures introduced this year is greater accountability at the principal level to ensure consistent student attendance.
“State education departments, district education offices and schools have been directed to closely monitor and address school attendance,” Fadhlina said at SMK Tinggi Kajang yesterday in conjunction with the SPM 2025 results announcement.
She also underscored the importance of strengthening support systems for students from lower socio-economic backgrounds.
“If there are financially challenged students who cannot go to school, the ministry will try to help however we can,” she said, adding that support will also extend to academic assistance.
On absenteeism rates for SPM 2025, Fadhlina said it has improved compared to the previous year, but the issue still requires serious attention across all levels of the education system.
The absenteeism rate declined to 5,032 candidates in 2025, compared to 6,246 in 2024 – a reduction of 1,214 candidates.
“We already have a compulsory secondary school policy that I am sure will have an overall impact.
“The second is to look back at support programmes so that students can continue their studies and maintain their attendance at school,” she added.
