Rural school in Baram shines with perfect SPM pass rate

MIRI (April 1): SMK Temenggong Datuk Lawai Jau Long San (SMKTLDJ) in Ulu Baram have achieved a 100 per cent pass rate in this year’s Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination.

Telang Usan assemblyman Dato Dennis Ngau described the achievement as a ‘remarkable feat’ for one of the three secondary schools in his constituency.

“Despite being located deep in the interior, where access to education remains a daily challenge, these students have demonstrated determination and resilience on par with their urban counterparts.

“Today’s results are a testament to their hard work,” he told The Borneo Post on Tuesday.

Dennis, who had contacted the school for updates on the SPM results, noted that two other schools in the constituency—SMK Long Bedian and SMK Long Lama—also recorded commendable performances, though they fell short of a perfect pass rate.

He said that SMK Long Bedian achieved a 96.67 per cent pass rate, while SMK Long Lama recorded 99.18 per cent.

On a related note, Dennis acknowledged that transportation continues to be a major challenge for rural students.

“Yet this does not dampen their enthusiasm for learning, even when they have to travel long distances from their villages,” he added.

Reflecting on a previous visit to SMKTLDJ, Dennis recalled an incident where a power outage occurred while students were preparing for their SPM examinations.

He said the students continued studying using torchlights and whatever resources available.

“It was heartening to help get the generator running almost immediately,” Dennis added.

Dennis also commended teachers serving in remote areas for their dedication, recognising the sacrifices of time, energy, and comfort to ensure students in interior communities receive quality education.