KUALA LUMPUR Feb 17, 2025 -A total of 8,076 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) candidates were reportedly absent from their examination as of Thursday, February 6.

This data, compiled by the Ministry up to February 6, shows that 6,231 students from the total were registered at government schools. Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek emphasized that her ministry is taking the issue seriously, highlighting that the absentee rates are deeply alarming for the education sector.

When asked by Kuala Langat MP Datuk Dr. Ahmad Yunus Hairi about the primary factor contributing to this, she clarified: “Analytics from the School Attendance Management Application indicate that the reasons for absenteeism during last year’s SPM include work commitments, family matters, health issues, death, and relocation abroad.”

Addressing The Issue

To tackle the issue of absenteeism during the SPM examination, Fadhlina explained that measures have been put in place to improve attendance tracking. Schools now use the Student Attendance System (eAttendance) within the Student Database Application (APDM) to monitor attendance on a daily basis. This makes it easier to identify and address attendance issues early.

Additionally, a Task Force has been set up at all levels to help students at risk of dropping out before the SPM. Attendance is monitored through a dashboard, allowing quick action to ensure that students attend the exam and receive the necessary support.

“Moreover, we have issued the need to monitor student attendance throughout school sessions and during SPM to JPN, PPD and schools across Malaysia,” she added. Through the joined forces, the ministry aim to decrease the absentee numbers during crucial examinations such as SPM.

Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia

The Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) is the Malaysian Certificate of Education that is equivalent to high school graduation in other countries. It is to be taken by students in their fifth year of secondary school, where the exam will cover a wide range of subjects such as Languages, Mathematics, Science, Business and Humanities.

SPM is crucial for Malaysian students as it plays a pivotal role in shaping their future educational and career opportunities. The results will determine students’ eligibility for higher education institutes, such as universities and colleges. Therefore, ensuring student’s attendance is essential.

The number of Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) absentees has fluctuated over the years. In 2021, 2.7% of registered candidates were absent, amounting to 10,681 students. The following year, the absentee rate rose to 3.8%, with 14,858 first-time candidates missing the exam. However, by 2023, the absentee rate decreased to 2.65%, showing some improvement.