Another look for top scorers

PETALING JAYA: Efforts to identify top scorers who were unsuccessful in securing a spot in the matriculation programme, as well as higher education programmes, will be underway soon.

In a media statement, the Education Ministry (MOE) said it will work with the Higher Education Ministry (MOHE) to screen the number of Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) 10A scorers who have applied to the MOE’s matriculation programme.

They will also review applications for higher education programmes submitted through UPUOnline by the Student Admission Division of public institutions of higher learning (BKPA).

“This is to enable those who were not offered a place to be readjusted based on their programme choice,” it said.

The MOE also said the offer of places and fields of study is dependent on the candidates’ qualifications and vacancies in the matriculation programme.

Meanwhile, the MOHE will focus on admissions to foundation and diploma programmes at public universities.

“This decision was made to ensure that outstanding SPM students and those from B40 families have the opportunity to continue their studies.

“At the same time, the existing bumiputra quota system for the matriculation programme remains unaffected,” it said.

The MOE’s statement came following Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s recent announcement that all SPM students, regardless of background, who scored 10As and above would get a placement in the matriculation programme starting this year.

On June 30, Anwar said this bold decision was made to ensure that all excellent SPM students have the best opportunity to continue with their studies.

“If our children scored 10As and above or obtained excellent results, without any exception, they will get a place. This is an assurance from the government,” he said during his speech at the closing of the National Training Week 2024 at Bukit Jalil.

He added that the decision was reached at a Cabinet meeting on June 28.