'Marriage takes priority for teens skipping SPM exam'

IT'S not too late for Merak Jalanan to congratulate the 2023 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) students who received their results last Monday.

Regardless of the results, they are not an end but should be viewed as the beginning of something greater.

For those who achieved excellent results, keep up the good work in the next phase of life.

For those who were less fortunate, don't give up; this is not the end. There are still many opportunities to create new successes.

However, Merak Jalanan was surprised to learn that 10,160 out of 383,685 SPM 2023 candidates nationwide did not show up for the exam.

Perhaps they lacked interest and determination to succeed in the SPM exam or further their studies.

Some candidates might have registered but intended to skip the exam because they were more interested in working and earning their own money.

What surprised Merak Jalanan even more was that some of those who didn't take the SPM exam were already married.

Is there such a rush to get married that they couldn't wait until after the SPM exams?

Even if SPM seems less important, it should be remembered that applying for jobs requires an SPM certificate.

Most employers now set a minimum requirement of an SPM certificate to measure a person's capability and dedication.

If you're too lazy to take the SPM, what impression will employers have of you?

For students who will take the SPM in the future, don't be easily influenced by statements like ‘SPM is not important.’

Focus on the SPM to achieve your future dreams. Getting a better job will greatly help in your married life.