KUCHING: A total of 821 students under the Ministry of Education Malaysia (KPM) in Sarawak achieved straight A results in the 2024 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination, marking a commendable academic milestone for the state.

The announcement was made by Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, who noted a 0.32 per cent improvement compared to the previous year.

“Out of the 32,239 students from KPM schools who sat for the examination, 821 candidates—equivalent to 2.55 per cent—achieved excellent results, obtaining grades A+, A, and A- in all subjects. This is an increase from the 726 students who achieved the same in 2023,” he said during a special press conference to announce the 2024 SPM results for Sarawak on Thursday.

He added that Sarawak’s State Average Grade (GPN) also improved to 4.84, compared to 4.92 in 2023. This makes the 2024 results the best since the compulsory pass requirements for Bahasa Melayu and History were introduced in 2013.

Highlighting specific achievements, Dato Sri Roland celebrated the outstanding performance of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Long Bedian in Baram, which for the first time achieved a 100 per cent certificate eligibility rate. Remarkably, one student from the school also scored straight A's.

“I am truly grateful to share that SMK Long Bedian, which served as an SPM centre for the first time in 2024, achieved a 100 per cent pass rate for certificate eligibility. Even more impressive is that one of its students earned straight A's,” he said. “Congratulations to the school, and may this momentum of excellence continue in the years to come.”

He also expressed pride in the achievements of students with special education needs. Of the 127 such candidates, 86—representing 67.72 per cent—qualified for the SPM certificate in 2024, showing a 1.87 per cent increase from the previous year.

Furthermore, 28 schools across the state recorded 100 per cent SPM certificate eligibility in 2024, up from 19 schools in 2023, demonstrating broader institutional improvement.

According to official data, a total of 35,423 students registered for the SPM examination in Sarawak. Of these, 33,039 were students from KPM schools. Actual attendance was recorded at 32,239, with 800 students either absent or not sitting for the exams.

Also present at the press conference were Deputy Ministers for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Sarawak, Datuk Dr. Annuar Rapaee and Datuk Dr. Francis Harden Hollis, along with Sarawak State Education Department Director, Omar Mahli. -UKASnews