In recent years, the number of students choosing to not sit for SPM has increased, raising alarm bells about the state of education within the country.
However, a handful of such students have since looked back on their decision with much regret after they realised they were unable to secure or hold on to a steady job.
M’sians who skipped SPM express regret over decision
Berita Harian recently spoke to three individuals who skipped SPM, who shared their thoughts about their decision to not sit for the national exam.
One of them named Amzar said he dropped out of school due to increased isolation he felt from his peers.
I started feeling alienated among my friends. Whenever there were study sessions, I was often left out. Over time, I lost my motivation.
“My parents’ divorce also contributed to my declining interest in studying. I then stopped attending school for four months but never really understood the consequences of my actions.
“Now, I realise how difficult it is to find a job without an SPM certificate,” he said.
Another person, 20-year-old Mohammad Adam Qusyairi Mohd Zulkifly, said he initially didn’t regret his decision to become a school dropout at 15 due to personal reasons.
“But after seeing my friends furthering their studies at university, I started feeling envious and regretful. Since dropping out in 2020, I have worked various jobs but none of them lasted long,” he lamented.
Mohammad Adam Qusyairi added that he plans to sit for SPM as a private candidate when the opportunity arises.
Meanwhile, a clerk who only wanted to be known as Mimi, said that while she currently holds a job, her not having an SPM certificate has been a huge obstacle in her hopes of securing a better job.
I didn’t understand the importance of SPM as I never attended secondary school and only received an education at the madrasah. That’s why I never had the chance to take the SPM.
“I still feel the impact today as I struggle to find better job opportunities as many companies require candidates to have at least an SPM qualification, if not a diploma or degree.
“I deeply regret not taking the SPM back then. If I had taken it, I might have completed my studies and been able to further my education. If I could, I would go back in time and take the SPM without hesitation,” she said.
Meanwhile, a Johor official pinned the blame on Singapore after more than 900 students in the state failed to turn up for SPM:
