PUTRAJAYA: The Education Ministry will proceed with the 2024 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) Bahasa Melayu oral examination in all flood-affected states scheduled from today until Thursday, following advice from the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma).
Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the decision was also based on forecasts from the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) regarding the northeast monsoon, which is expected to persist until February 2025.
“The ministry is prepared to conduct examinations during the floods based on the Ops Payung standard operating procedure and the action plan in dealing with the monsoon.
“It is also collaborating with agencies such as Nadma, the Armed Forces, and the Civil Defence Force to ensure the smooth conduct of the SPM examinations,” she told a special press conference on the ministry’s flood management and SPM examination preparations yesterday, Bernama reported.
According to Fadhlina, 5,377 SPM candidates have been identified as being affected by floods in three states: 3,111 candidates in Kelantan, 1,734 in Terengganu, and 532 in Kedah.
She said all candidates affected by the floods would be accommodated in hostels or moved to alternative examination centres to ensure they can sit for the exams comfortably and according to schedule.
The relocation of affected candidates is being carried out by the state education departments in these three states, she said.
“The relocation aims at providing candidates with a conducive hostel environment to continue their studies and prepare systematically for their SPM exams.
“For learning at hostels and alternative examination centres, we have provided textbooks, access to computer labs, and the use of the Digital Educational Learning Initiative Malaysia (DELIMa) platform,” she added.
Fadhlina said with the increased number of students in hostels due to the relocation of flood-affected SPM candidates, the ministry will ensure additional hostel necessities, such as prompt delivery of quality food.
She also announced that the ministry will exempt flood-affected candidates from wearing uniforms during the examinations; they can instead opt for any other appropriate attire.
In addition to psychosocial support provided by each state education department for flood- affected candidates, she said the ministry will also supply examination materials such as stationery.
Private candidates are urged to contact their respective education departments or directly visit alternative examination centres to ensure they do not miss the exams.
