03/04/2026

FRIDAY | APR 3, 2026

3 ‘Dip in BM performance for SPM must not be dismissed’

Lenggong to receive Unesco recognition

LENGGONG: Lenggong is set to make history when it is officially recognised as Malaysia’s third United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) Global Geopark on May 23 in Paris, further strengthening the country’s standing within the world-class geopark network. Home Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah said the recognition follows a comprehensive presentation at the 11th International Global Geoparks Conference held at the Universidad Catolica de Temuco in Araucania, Chile on Sept 7 last year. He added that the recognition qualifies Lenggong to join the Unesco Global Geopark network under Unesco, after it was gazetted as a National Geopark on Dec 16, 2021. “The official conferment ceremony is scheduled to take place on April 27 at the Unesco headquarters in Paris.” “The recognition reflects Lenggong’s uniqueness and outstanding value in terms of geology, archaeology and natural heritage that meet Unesco’s stringent criteria.” He was speaking at a dinner and networking session on Wednesday held in conjunction with the Lenggong Geopark Academic Visit programme, themed “Lenggong Open Education Site”. The event also saw the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Universiti Teknologi Malaysia and Lenggong Geopark. Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad officiated the event. Shamsul Anuar, who is also Lenggong MP and Lenggong Geopark chairman, said the recognition not only elevates Lenggong’s geological and archaeological heritage, but also serves as a catalyst for local socio economic development through sustainable tourism. “The main attraction is the Bukit Bunuh site, which contains evidence of a meteorite impact dating back about 1.8 million years, making it one of the key locations in the study of early human evolution and Earth’s history. “We should be proud as this not only enhances the profile of Lenggong and the state of Perak on the international stage, but also has the potential to boost tourism growth and the local economy.” He added that he is confident Lenggong would emerge as a leading global tourism destination, bringing widespread benefits to the people and the nation. – Bernama

Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

o Decline only concerning if it develops into consistent downward trend: Academic

Weather report to be sent to Parliament KUALA LUMPUR: The Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry plans to submit a detailed weather forecast report on the current dry and hot climate to the Cabinet next week. Its minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup said the move was to enable the Cabinet to discuss if there was an urgent need to intervene, including cloud seeding operations. “So, it is up to the discussion at that time whether the forecast justifies interventions such as cloud seeding to be implemented. “However, (the ministry) will always provide forecast information from time to time,“ he said when commenting on NRES’s latest preparations in dealing with hot weather. He was speaking at the 100th Anniversary Celebration event of the Forestry Training Institute (Fortrain) and the inauguration of the Fortrain dormitory building at the Forestry Department yesterday. He also said he has instructed the Malaysian Meteorological Department to issue the latest reports and forecasts of the country’s weather conditions to help other agencies make preparations. He added that if it is necessary to implement cloud seeding, the ministry could provide information to certain agencies so that early steps could be taken to reduce the effects of the unpredictable weather. – Bernama performance each year may not always reflect students’ actual approach to the subject. everyday usage influenced by social media and informal communication. He added that students continue to perform well in exams, largely due to a stronger focus on answering techniques and structured formats. “However, overall language quality has declined slightly, with students using limited vocabulary, simpler sentence structures and less expressive writing. “Students tend to use Bahasa Melayu formally in class, but more casually and in mixed languages outside the classroom, especially on social media platforms.” He also said common weaknesses include essay writing, grammar, comprehension and vocabulary, all of which affect overall writing quality. Meanwhile, language expert Prof Datuk Dr Nik Safiah Karim said expectations among parents and teachers for improved

PETALING JAYA: A slight dip in the Bahasa Melayu subject performance in the 2025 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) may appear marginal but language experts say it must not be dismissed, adding that even small declines could signal deeper issues if left unchecked. They said the 0.13-point drop, while within normal year-on-year fluctuations, should be closely monitored to prevent any long-term erosion in students’ command of the national language. Universiti Teknologi Mara Academy of Language Studies senior lecturer Dr Rozaimah Rashidin said the decline would only become a concern if it develops into a consistent downward trend compared with results in 2024, 2023 and 2022. “I believe the Education Ministry is aware of the matter and appropriate intervention measures

“The teaching methods for Bahasa Melayu remain effective, with teachers well trained and highly qualified.” She also said the syllabus does not require major immediate changes, describing it as well developed, comprehensive and inclusive, with any improvements best carried out gradually. Rozaimah also emphasised the importance of upholding Bahasa Melayu as the national and official language under Article 152 of the Federal Constitution, while calling for more diverse teaching approaches, quality learning materials and stronger parental involvement at home. Junior language consultant Azhar Kassim said students’ performance reflects mixed progress, with relatively strong examination results but weaker

should be taken. “The SPM 2025 cohort is the first group that did not sit for UPSR and PT3, which may have contributed to the slight decline, as students may lack preparation or be unfamiliar with formal examination answering techniques.” Rozaimah, who is also Linguistic Society of Malaysia deputy director, said several factors could have contributed to the dip and urged the ministry to examine the underlying causes closely, adding that it should not be treated lightly given its potential implications. She said students are not facing greater challenges in mastering Bahasa Melayu compared with previous cohorts, as the same curriculum remains in place. “It comes down to students’ willingness, motivation and attitude towards the language.

Rozaimah emphasised the importance of upholding Bahasa Melayu as the national and official language under Article 152 of the Federal Constitution, while calling for more diverse teaching approaches, quality learning materials and stronger parental involvement at home. – BERNAMAPIC

Govt pledges regular, transparent updates on energy crisis KUALA LUMPUR: The government has pledged to provide regular and transparent updates on the global energy supply and price crisis to ensure the public receives accurate information without unnecessary alarm. players and taking steps to manage price pressures as effectively as possible,” he said at the Global Energy Crisis Briefing yesterday. Fadillah, who is also Malaysia’s ability to weather the crisis depends on collective responsibility. “I call on the public and the business community to work together with the government by using energy prudently, command centre linked to the National Economic Action Council to coordinate the government’s response to the global energy crisis triggered by the conflict in West Asia.

Energy Transition and Water Transformation minister, cautioned against the spread of unverified information that could lead to confusion among the public. He said this echoed the call by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who had urged all parties to act responsibly when sharing information, particularly as the country navigates global challenges. He also emphasised that

Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the centre would be chaired by Fadillah, with daily briefings or media updates scheduled at about 4pm. The centre will coordinate government communications, particularly on responses and measures taken by the government and related agencies, to ensure consistent updates are delivered to the public. – Bernama

avoiding waste and ensuring efficiency in every aspect of consumption. “In facing global challenges such as this, our strength lies in discipline, cooperation and mutual trust. With collective effort, InsyaAllah , Malaysia will remain stable and resilient.” The Cabinet yesterday agreed to establish a communications

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said Malaysians have the right to be informed about ongoing developments, including measures taken to safeguard the nationwide energy supply. “The government will continue to communicate clearly without causing unnecessary concern, while working closely with industry