KUALA LUMPUR: A Barisan Nasional backbencher has questioned the government’s move to proceed with SPM examinations during the floods.
Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias (BN-Jelebu) said that the move did not take into consideration the mental state of the affected students.
“In Negri Sembilan, where I went to visit flood victims, I saw that the students were not mentally prepared to sit for the examinations,” he said during Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday (Dec 2).
He expressed concern that the number of absentees during the examinations will rise.
“The minister can decide that SPM can proceed despite the floods. But what if there are students who cannot sit for the exams due to floods. Will they be allowed a second chance to sit for the examination when the situation returned to normal?” said Jalaluddin.
It was reported that about 10,000 Form Five students last year did not sit for the 2023 SPM.
Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh said that the ministry stands by the announcement by Minister Fadhlina Sidek on the matter on Sunday (Nov 1).
He said that the ministry has consulted the relevant authorities which included local governments of the flood-stricken areas.
“The ministry will ensure that the affected students would have access to proper facilities and sit for the examinations as scheduled,” said Wong.
Yesterday, Fadhlina said 5,377 affected SPM candidates have been evacuated and they had been relocated to alternative centres to ensure their comfort for studies.
The SPM 2024 examinations began today and will continue until Feb 6 next year.
