The Malaysian Ministry of Education has clarified in a statement that only students who score 10 straight As, comprising only A+ And A grades in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) will be given automatic admission into matriculation colleges.

The ministry stated that they had never issued any statements that A- is not an A or that an A- is not an excellent result and therefore these students are eligible to apply to matriculation institutions for entry.

The ministry added that 86 percent of students applying for matriculation programmes took nine subjects, while only 14 percent took 10 subjects in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) pathway.

Applications to all matriculation courses are merit-based, but other factors, such as Physical Activity, Sports and Co-Curriculum Assessment will also be taken into consideration during the selection process.

The ministry highlighted that they wanted to ensure that all students are given equal opportunity to apply for matriculation courses based solely on merit, set priorities and the quota system to ascertain that students are fairly assessed.

This clarification came about as a result of much chaos and confusion over an earlier statement issued by the ministry which was misunderstood by students and their parents and the situation has since been rectified.

-THE MALAYSIA VOICE