Kota Kinabalu: Sabah’s average SPM grade continued to improve from 5.22 in 2022 to 5.09 in 2023. It was 5.35 in 2021.
Sabah Education Department Deputy Director Nurani Fauziah Derin explained that a smaller grade value means better performance.
Some 38,800 students from government and private schools in Sabah sat for the exam beginning on Dec 5, 2023.
The number is 1,347 less than in 2022.
Nurani said a total of 948 students did not sit for the exam.
She said students getting married or earning a living are among some of the reasons the 984 opted out of the exam.
“There are various factors. Some are already working, some are married and some might have been ill or have passed away,” she added.
She said the figure also includes students who dropped out of school.
However, she said the overall number of 984 absentees in 2023 was lower compared to 1,564 in 2022.
Nurani said they would continue to help and encourage students who were “less interested” in going to school.
“There are still (dropouts), but fewer.
“It is quite worrying because these students need education for whatever work they will undertake in the future,” she told reporters when announcing the 2023 SPM exam results here, Monday, on behalf of State Education Department (JPNS) Director Datuk Raisin Saidin.
“The Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia opens a window of opportunity. Going without it is unsustainable,” Nurani said, adding the students involved are not necessarily from rural areas.
In fact, Nurani said the performance gap between city and rural school grades improved from 0.10 compared to a 0.53 grade gap last year.
She attributed it to better access to facilities and internet connection or a more motivating environment, and that the Department would continue programmes in closing the gap.
A total of 484 Ministry school students, who are 1.38 per cent from the 35,126 total, attained straight As.
Of that, the average (passing with D or E grades) is 36.18 per cent, i.e. of 12,609 students, 107 or 0.30 per cent failed all subjects.
A total of 32,098 students or 94.01 per cent of 2023 SPM candidates are eligible for the scroll.
It is a 1.64 per cent increase (265 candidates) from last year’s 31,833.
The achievements are based on the passing requirements of Bahasa Melayu and Sejarah since 2013.
Based on their results, 2023 SPM Accounting graduates are also entitled for IAB LCCI Level 2 Certificates in Bookkeeping and Accounting from the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
“To conclude, the 2023 SPM has seen a performance improvement from all the candidates involved.
“On top of existing initiatives, the Ministry will continue to implement the Digital Learning Policy and Pendidikan Manusiawi (humanitarian education),” she said.
