Nabil Luqman

0f9d2dd4f71434084e2b6094de1865e23abb37bb9f28ca51feeabee679ec9be2

Social

struggles

jobless

employment

opportunity

high school

regret

job security

skip

isolation

drop out

In recent years, the number of students choosing not to sit for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination has increased, sparking concerns about the state of education in Malaysia. While some students believe they can secure employment without completing their secondary education, many who opted out of SPM now express deep regret, realising the limitations they face in the job market.
Regrets and Hardships Faced by Dropouts
Several Malaysians who skipped the crucial examination have shared their experiences, highlighting the struggles they now endure due to their decision.
Isolation and Family Issues Led to Dropping Out
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/f7109fcc33ae3d70429322e47693c9a1203f3d80a5182fd88a5415f055a4d5b3" />
One such individual, Amzar Mohd Azhari, 26, revealed that he left school after Form One due to feelings of alienation from his peers.
&ldquo;I started feeling isolated during study sessions, as I was often left out. Over time, I lost my motivation,&rdquo; he explained.
His parents&rsquo; divorce further exacerbated his declining interest in academics, and he eventually stopped attending school for four months without fully grasping the long-term consequences.
&ldquo;At first, I didn&rsquo;t feel the impact of my decision, but years later, I realised how difficult it is to find a job without an SPM certificate,&rdquo; Amzar admitted.
Struggles in Employment and Lost Opportunities
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/fa55a6204bf7b9260b70bde3b379b36c222879eba1a4693d75b52d012c897563" />
Similarly, 20-year-old Mohammad Adam Qusyairi Mohd Zulkifly initially did not regret his decision to leave school at 15 due to personal issues. However, seeing his friends continue their studies at university has since changed his perspective.
&ldquo;I started feeling envious and regretful. Since dropping out in 2020, I have worked various jobs, but none of them lasted long,&rdquo; he lamented.
Realising the importance of education, he now plans to sit for SPM as a private candidate when the opportunity arises.
Limited Job Prospects Without SPM
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/c5c0743c5fd6f12d3b81f453a034ee224fb6dc006084e2293d0980b1b084b5de" />
Mimi, a 21-year-old clerk, shared that despite securing a job, her lack of an SPM qualification remains a major barrier to career advancement.
&ldquo;I didn&rsquo;t attend secondary school and was only educated at a madrasah, so I never had the chance to take SPM. Now, I struggle to find better job opportunities as many companies require at least an SPM certificate, if not a diploma or degree,&rdquo; she said.
&ldquo;If I could turn back time, I would take the SPM without hesitation,&rdquo; she added.
The Worrying Trend of SPM Absenteeism
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/8b0cccaf831e763eec1204f1b66a2dd8dd2b2e933cfe8f4452e01c3f58129efd" />
The issue of SPM dropouts is not isolated to a few individuals. According to Johor Education and Information Committee chairman Aznan Tamin, over 900 students in Johor alone skipped the SPM, with some believing they could still earn lucrative salaries without the qualification.
&ldquo;The challenge we face is that Singapore does not see SPM as a requirement for work,&rdquo; he explained, highlighting why some students prioritise working over sitting for the exam.
Additionally, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek revealed that 8,076 students nationwide were absent from all their written SPM papers as of February 6, 2025. This included 6,231 students from government schools.
&ldquo;The official attendance data for the 2024 SPM examination will be released on the day the results are announced,&rdquo; she stated.
Why Are Students Skipping SPM?
Analysis from the School Attendance Management Application identified several key reasons for SPM absenteeism:
<ul>
<li>Choosing to work instead of study</li>
<li>Family issues and financial struggles</li>
<li>Health problems</li>
<li>Relocation abroad</li>
<li>Lack of motivation and academic interest</li>
</ul>
Government Efforts to Address the Issue
To combat this worrying trend, the Education Ministry has launched several intervention measures:
<ul>
<li>Daily Attendance Monitoring &ndash; Schools track students through the Student Attendance System (eKehadiran) to facilitate early intervention.</li>
<li>Taskforce Activation &ndash; A dedicated taskforce monitors attendance at all levels, ensuring students sit for their examinations.</li>
<li>National Performance Dialogues &ndash; Discussions among education authorities to refine intervention strategies and improve attendance.</li>
<li>Community Involvement &ndash; The Ziarah Cakna Programme, parental consultation sessions, and collaborations with Parent-Teacher Associations aim to increase awareness among students and parents.</li>
</ul>
Additionally, the Johor Talent Development Council has been set up to help dropouts pursue further studies through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
A Shared Responsibility
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek emphasised that while the government is taking active steps, parents and communities must also play a role in ensuring students complete their studies.
&ldquo;Parents are crucial in guiding their children to sit for the examination, while the wider community must raise awareness on the importance of the SPM certificate for future opportunities,&rdquo; she stressed.
The Bottom Line
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/0242bc39d3062a5f56612990d3f54b2a355c58649947bbe1c20960c690c7c223" />
Skipping the SPM may seem like a minor decision at the time, but as these stories highlight, it can have long-lasting consequences. Many students who opted out now find themselves struggling to secure stable jobs, while others are left wishing they could turn back time.
As the dropout rate continues to rise, it is clear that a multi-faceted approach&mdash;including government interventions, parental guidance, and societal support&mdash;is necessary to ensure students understand the value of completing their education.
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments. 
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Education is the key to a brighter future—let's take it seriously.

d6467e1b4f05dbaf02b1513d73dea6fe66f6dd6dbe748953b23a8f6c78fe5876

Rising Concern Over SPM Dropouts: Former Students Regret Their Decision After Struggling To Secure Jobs

Rising Concern Over SPM Dropouts: Former Students Regret Their Decision After Struggling To Secure Jobs

Education is the key to a brighter future—let's take it seriously.

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