A total of 4,896 pupils nationwide scored straight A's in the 2016 Ujian Penilaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR).

Education director Tan Sri Dr Khair Mohamad Yusof said the figure was 1.11 per cent of the total 440, 782 candidates who sat for the examination this year.

He said the results this year cannot be compared to the previous years as this year's examination was set according to a new format.

Speaking to reporters at a press conference today, Khair said a total of 8,345 pupils scored 4A 1B.

Grade A would be categorised as 'excellent', grade B (good), grade C (satisfactory), grade D (achieved minimum level) and grade E (has not achieved minimum level).

He said a total of 9,519 pupils did not achieve the minimum achievement level (all E’s).