PETALING JAYA: The Kedah Education Department transferred more than 160 students taking their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) exams to two alternative centres after sudden flash floods hit SMK Jitra.
In a statement on Tuesday (Nov 25), the department said the floods occurred at about 1.20pm, affecting the examination hall area and several parts of the school compound while SPM exams were underway.
“During the Bahasa Melayu Paper 1 examination, water started rising in the school area.
“Following this, the department's examination management sector (SPP) officers arrived at the location and took immediate action to transfer 17 candidates who were sitting for the Visual Arts Education Paper 1 to SMK Tanjung Pauh,” the statement read.
It also said that for Bahasa Melayu Paper 2, all 163 SMK Jitra candidates, including private candidates, were transferred to SMK Bandar Baru Darulaman, which had been prepared earlier as an alternative examination centre.
“The transfer process, assisted by police trucks, teachers’ vehicles and support from parents and guardians, proceeded smoothly without any safety incidents.
“The school, together with SPP with the SPP District Education Office (PPD), continued to monitor the water levels, while the department ensured that all logistical, safety and examination requirements were carried out according to the prescribed procedures,” it said.
The department also expressed its appreciation to the school, PPD, security forces and all parties involved for helping to ensure that the SPM examinations proceeded without disruption for the benefit of the candidates.
