What issues led to thousands of SPM candidates not sitting for exams?

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Thousands of SPM Candidates Did Not Sit for Exams Due to Various Issues, Including Foundational Skill Deficiencies

Approximately 10,177 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) candidates failed to sit for their examinations last year. Among the identified contributing factors were persistent challenges with basic literacy and numeracy skills, commonly referred to as the "3M" problems of reading, writing, and arithmetic. This situation has prompted calls for a review of the national education policy, particularly concerning the assessment structure at primary and lower secondary levels.
Foundational Skill Deficiencies Identified as a Key Factor

The lack of foundational skills in reading, writing, and arithmetic was explicitly cited as a significant issue contributing to the high number of absent SPM candidates. Students struggling with these core competencies may find it increasingly difficult to engage with the broader curriculum and prepare adequately for high-stakes examinations. This can lead to disengagement and a reduced likelihood of completing their secondary education.
Impact of Abolished Assessments on Student Preparedness

The abolition of examinations for Year 6 students (Primary School Achievement Test, UPSR) and Form 3 students (Form Three Assessment, PT3) in 2022 has been linked to the current challenges. While these assessments were replaced by continuous assessment methods like Classroom-Based Assessment (PBD) and School-Based Assessment (PBS), concerns have been raised about their effectiveness in ensuring all students are adequately prepared for the SPM. The absence of intermediate national examinations might mean that learning gaps, especially in fundamental skills, go unnoticed or unaddressed until much later.
Calls for Education Policy Revamp

In light of these findings, there is a strong sentiment that the national education policy requires a substantial revamp. The current system, which culminates in the SPM examination in Form 5 without mandatory national assessments in earlier years, is seen as potentially failing students who encounter difficulties. The Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, has specifically called for a review of policies that do not incorporate examinations at the Year 6 and Form 3 levels, advocating for a more consistent and structured approach to education.
Broader Concerns Regarding Educational System and Graduate Readiness

The issue extends beyond just examination turnout, touching upon broader concerns about the readiness of SPM graduates for higher education and the workforce. As highlighted by MIC president Tan Sri S. A. Vigneswaran, there is a noticeable reluctance among many SPM graduates to pursue further studies, and the trend of students dropping out before or without sitting for the SPM exams is a cause for concern, especially in the context of the nation's ambition to achieve developed nation status. This suggests a need for a more holistic evaluation of the education system's ability to equip students with the necessary skills and motivation for future pathways.

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What issues led to thousands of SPM candidates not sitting for exams?

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