IPOH: Additional reference books distributed under the Tuisyen Cikgu Saarani (TCS) initiative have been a key factor behind the state’s improved performance in the 2025 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination, says Zulkafli Mohamed Mokhtar.
The Perak Education Department director said the initiative helped candidates, especially those with the potential to pass, to better master core subjects through structured, concise and effective learning materials.
Zulkafli said the reference books were developed by experienced teachers and educators based on actual learning needs, with an emphasis on strengthening conceptual understanding and examination answering techniques.
He said a total of 63,567 books were distributed to secondary school students throughout Perak this year, particularly candidates identified as needing additional academic support to pass.
"The books are expected to benefit nearly 25,000 SPM 2026 candidates across the state," he said after the 2025 Perak SPM, Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) and Sijil Tinggi Agama Malaysia (STAM) Appreciation Ceremony here on Wednesday (July 15).
The event was launched by Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.
Zulkafli added that the number of books distributed this year marked an increase from more than 53,000 copies last year, involving a total allocation of about RM1mil.
About 266 award recipients comprising students, teachers, schools and District Education Officers were recognised for their achievements in 2025.
Zulkafli said the initiative has also been expanded to include SPM candidates from Sekolah Menengah Tahfiz Darul Ridzuan (SMTDR) and Sekolah Menengah Agama Rakyat (SMAR), which are under the supervision of the Perak Islamic Religious Department.
In his speech, Saarani said the state recorded a State Average Grade of 4.49 for the 2025 SPM examination, marking its best performance in 13 years and extending its improvement streak for a third consecutive year.
He said the achievement gap between urban and rural candidates was only 0.04 points, reflecting increasingly equal opportunities for students across the state.
For the 2025 STPM, Saarani said Perak recorded a state Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 2.91, surpassing the national average of 2.88.
Of the 1,336 candidates nationwide who obtained a perfect 4.00 CGPA, 116 were from Perak.
For the STAM, the state recorded an average grade of 3.03, with 36 candidates achieving the Mumtaz distinction.
"I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the recipients. May this recognition inspire you to continue improving yourselves and strive for even greater success," Saarani said.
