SPM is considered to be an extremely important exam for every Malaysian student as failing to pass it would mean them being unable to secure employment when they graduate.
However, the issue of absenteeism has been rife for years, and an official has suggested that a particular country was to be blamed for this — Singapore.
S’pore blamed for over 900 students skipping SPM in Johor
According to a report by NST, the remark was made by Johor Education and Information Committee chairman Aznan Tamin at an educational event in Johor yesterday (Feb 11).
He said more than 900 students had chosen not to turn up for SPM examinations, with some under the impression that they could have a high salary by working in Singapore without an SPM certificate.
The challenge for us is that Singapore does not see the SPM as a requirement for work. Schools must engage parents and students to emphasise the importance of the SPM for their future.
“To curb this problem, the state has launched the Johor Talent Development Council, which can help school dropouts to further their studies through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET),” he said.
Aznan’s comments came following a report which revealed a total of 10,000 students failed to turn up for SPM last year, despite the attendance rate being at 97% nationwide.
NST also reported that scores of Malaysians have left the country for Singapore in hopes of securing high-paying jobs due to the latter’s strong currency.
As of today (Feb 12), the currency exchange rate of the Singapore dollar to the Malaysian Ringgit is S$1 to RM3.30.
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