PETALING JAYA: The Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) and Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) examinations will go on as scheduled despite floods affecting Penang and Kedah.
Deputy Education Minister Datuk P. Kamalanathan said the ministry was assessing the situation, and hopes to carry out the examinations on time and according to schedule.
“The flood situation in Kedah is still under control and all examination centres there will run as scheduled,” said Kamalanathan yesterday.
A total of 34,672 candidates will sit for the SPM at 261 centres in Kedah, while 23,114 candidates will sit for the exam at 159 centres in Penang, he added.
He noted that 100 SPM candidates from SMK Mak Mandin, Butterworth, will be moved to SMK Seberang Perai in Seberang Jaya.
Another 400 candidates from SMJK Jit Sin, Bukit Mertajam, will be moved to Jit Sin Independent High School – also located in Bukit Mertajam.
“SMJK Jit Sin will receive logistical assistance from government agencies that will help transport its candidates and exam papers to the new location,” he said.
Describing the floods as a “challenging time”, Kamalanathan called on parents and teachers to put safety of the students as their top priority.
“The Penang and Kedah education department directors have already informed all teachers and invigilators to prepare themselves to help every student sitting for the exams,” he said via text message.
The directors have also requested help from the state emergency drop services to facilitate any movement of the exam candidates, he added.
Kamalanathan said the ministry would continue to monitor the flood situations and take appropriate action to ensure the safety of all exam candidates and officers on duty.
This year’s SPM starts today and will continue until Dec 4, with 443,883 registered candidates at 3,363 exam centres throughout the country.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access
Cancel anytime. Ad-free. Unlimited access with perks.
