Department director Khalidah Omar said that PTA contributions were voluntary and could not be made a condition in any student-related matter, according to Sinar Harian.

She also said schools were not allowed to withhold students’ certificates or other official documents on the basis of unpaid PTA contributions.

“We take this matter seriously and have taken immediate action by launching an investigation to obtain accurate and comprehensive information.”

Khalidah also reminded school administrators to comply with established guidelines and regulations, ensuring that students’ welfare and interests remained the top priority.

In a viral TikTok video, a netizen claimed that her cousin’s child, who scored 9As in last year’s SPM examination, had his certificate withheld by a school in Senawang due to unpaid PTA fees.

The netizen also alleged that the student was only given an empty envelope instead of the certificate during an awards ceremony, and that a RM250 cash award for high-achieving students was also withheld.

Mara chairman Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki yesterday said it was inappropriate for schools to withhold awards and certificates over unpaid PTA fees.

In a Facebook post, he said compassion and common sense should guide decisions in such cases, particularly where a student’s welfare was involved.

A total of 366,435 candidates, or 94.29%, were eligible to receive their 2025 SPM certificate.