PETALING JAYA: The prohibition against Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) students using their forecast to enrol into private colleges is ‘nothing new’ said Second Education Minister Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh (pic).

“I am more shocked that the private institutions of higher learning saying that they are shocked at the ruling.

“The ruling is not something new as it has been around for years and they are aware of it,” he told reporters at a press conference Tuesday.

He added the circular issued to private institutions of higher learning in May was merely a reminder to those in the industry of the long-standing ruling.

He noted that the ruling applied to students seeking to enrol for matriculation or foundation courses aimed at furthering their studies at private institutions.

He said the move was to safeguard quality assurances of such courses by the Malaysian Quality Agency to be globally recognised.

However, he said forecast SPM results are allowed for short-term skills or language course only.

On a separate issue, Idris said the ministry would come out with a blue print on the restructuring of the functions of local universities.

He said the aim was to ensure that local universities keep pace with the industries to improve employability of graduates.

Earlier, Idris launched the UMMC-Samsung Sono School at UM Medical Centre.

-thestar