IPOH: The Education Ministry is committed to ensuring that all Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) 2024 candidates can sit for the examinations despite flash floods in several states.
Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh said they are prepared to assist any candidates facing issues due to flash floods or other matters.
"The SPM oral test started last month, and we have helped candidates affected by floods sit for the exams,” he said.
"The ministry will continue with Operasi Payung to ensure students can sit for the exams," added Wong at a press conference after visiting SMK Kampong Pasir Puteh for the first day of the SPM written test on Thursday (Jan 2).
Wong then said that the ministry is working closely with the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) and Meteorological Department to prepare early for any issues.
"We are prepared to handle any situation and are always ready to help our candidates sit for the exams and ensure their welfare is looked after. Any candidates with issues regarding the exams can contact the ministry's operations centre," he added.
Flash floods have recently hit several states, including Kelantan, Terengganu, and Johor, with some victims still seeking shelter at relief centres.
The SPM written test will be held from Jan 2 to Feb 6.
Wong said a total of 402,956 candidates would sit for the SPM at 3,337 examination centres nationwide.
Meanwhile, Perak Education director Safuan Raba'ai said a total of 31,705 candidates would sit for the SPM in the state.
He said these consist of 27,942 from government schools, 1,358 under government agencies, 65 from state religious schools, 287 private schools, 1,562 individual candidates, and 491 Sekolah Agama Rakyat pupils.
"We also have 135 special needs candidates for the 2024 SPM, compared to 119 in 2023."
"They consist of 62 with learning disabilities, two with speech impairment, 35 with physical disabilities, eight with hearing disabilities, 22 with visual disabilities, and six with various disabilities," he said.
Safuan then added that there are 323 examination centres in the state and said that to ensure the examinations are held smoothly, some 3,145 people have been appointed as supervisors and invigilators.
"We have also appointed 390 volunteer invigilators for the first time," he said.
