Kota Kinabalu: The Malaysian Examinations Council (MPM) has been urged to review the RM60 fee imposed on Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) candidates who request a physical certificate under the new online certification system.
Upko Young Generation deputy chief Allison Chan (pic) said the charge warrants attention as official MPM data showed 31,569 candidates, or 75.98 per cent, of the 41,548 who sat for all three STPM semesters in 2023 were from B40 lower-income families.
She said that while e-certificates can be downloaded online, physical certificates remain necessary for various higher education, scholarship and employment applications where specific documentation formats are required.
Chan stressed that the RM60 charge represents an unavoidable burden for lower-income households and asked MPM to provide a clear explanation for the pricing mechanism.
She added that if a fee is imposed, MPM must guarantee the printing, packaging and delivery quality of the document, as well as provide free replacements for certificates damaged in transit.