The government will bring forward the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) results to March 3, 2015, Education Minister II Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh announced today.

Idris said the release of the results are scheduled two weeks earlier compared to the previous years and should give school-leavers sufficient time to apply for pre-university courses for Private Higher Educational Institutions (IPTS) before pursuing studies to Australia and New Zealand for February 2016 intake.

Speaking at a press conference after chairing a meeting with the Malaysian Association of Private Colleges (MAPCU) and the National Association of Private Educational Institutions (NAPEI) here today, Idris said, the decision was decided after considering the fact that SPM is a national exam which can influence government policies and regulations.

"We already consider all the conditions set by the ministry and the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) to maintain and uphold the standard of SPM as a national examination.

"Through mutual discussions, we have agreed that the students can pursue their studies at IPTS," he said.

A circular issued by the Education Ministry dated May 23, 2014, reminded all IPTS that SPM forecast results can only be used to secure travel documents and not for entry into higher education programme.

In a press statement on Sept 30, the ministry clarified that the condition to pursue studies in matriculation, pre-university, diploma programmes require actual SPM results under Section 38 of the Private Higher Educational Institutions 1996.

The statement also stated that IPTS should be fully aware about the requirements of SPM to be eligible to pursue MOE-approved courses.

The press statement also stated that higher educational institutions must understand recruiting students using SPM forecast results is an offense under Section 40 (1) of the Private Higher Educational Institutions Act 1996.

Idris said the latest decision applies only to this year's SPM examination only.

He also said the decision is to portray the government's concern about people’s need in seeking for better education.

"This is something difficult to decide but we have decided -- from our continuous discussion -- that this decision will benefit educational institutions, students as well as all parties involved," he said.