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THE implementation of the Ujian Akhir Sesi Akademik (USSA) to replace the Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR) and Pentaksiran Tingkatan 3 (PT3) examinations has not negatively affected the performance of students sitting for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM), Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh announced in Parliament today.
This conclusion is drawn from evaluations conducted by the Ministry of Education (KPM) based on the 2023 and 2022 SPM results.
“Although we abolished the UPSR and PT3 examinations, at the school level we implemented the USSA. Even though USSA is administered by schools, its specifications, standards and performance are strictly controlled by the Ministry of Education (MoE),” Wong said in response to a supplementary question from Datuk Dr Zulkafperi Hanapi (BEBAS-Tanjung Karang) during the Dewan Rakyat session.
“All questions prepared by schools for USSA are based on the examination specification schedules set by the Malaysian Examinations Board (LPM), which administers the SPM and previously oversaw UPSR and PT3,” he added.
He explained that teacher training and autonomy have been strengthened to empower educators to deliver the best outcomes for their students, with the Ministry continuing to support the current USSA and SPM systems.
Addressing concerns about student dropouts, Wong cited data from the Ministry’s Tracking System (SiPKPM), reporting dropout rates of just 0.05 per cent in primary schools and 0.59 per cent in secondary schools.
To further combat dropout rates, the 2025 Education (Amendment) Bill has been passed, extending the Compulsory Education Policy from primary to secondary levels. This new law mandates all Malaysian children to complete secondary education, with parents held responsible for school enrolment and attendance.
“This step ensures every child’s right to quality education is upheld,” Wong stated.
The Ministry has also launched initiatives such as the Special Model Schools K9 and K11, providing daily boarding facilities for rural and remote students. Currently, 30 K9 schools operate nationwide, with five K11 schools established to reduce dropouts during the transition from Form 3 to Form 4.
Additionally, KPM offers 18 forms of financial assistance, including travel and transport subsidies for students commuting by water, alongside safety jacket provisions. Early in 2025, RM10 million in aid was distributed to 583 rural schools across Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak.
Wong highlighted the provision of dormitories and village hostels for students living far from schools, supported by local communities. Monitoring through SiPKPM helps identify at-risk students and underlying causes of dropouts, such as distance and poverty, enabling timely intervention.
Furthermore, the Outreach Programme for Dropout Students operates in all District Education Offices in cooperation with local communities to reintegrate students into schooling.
“This strategic initiative aims to locate students who have left school or are at high risk of dropping out, offering suitable interventions, whether re-enrolment or alternative learning pathways like TVET skills training at Pusat Giat MARA and other institutions,” he concluded. - October 22, 2025
