IPOH: About 317 candidates who are sitting for their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination nationwide, which starts today (Nov 25), have been affected by the disaster caused by ongoing heavy rainfall.
Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh said Perak has the highest number with 167 candidates impacted, followed by 45 in Perlis, Kelantan (27), Kedah (24), Penang (six), Terengganu (two) and Selangor (one).
Wong said Ops Payung has been activated to ensure that the examinations can still run smoothly.
"We are prepared to face the flood and to ensure the SPM examination can run smoothly.
"Just like the flash flood last year, we have proved that with existing standard operating procedures, we can ensure that no candidates will miss the exams," he said in a press conference after visiting SMK Raja Chulan here for the first day of the examinations here today.
Wong also said that three alternative venues for the examinations have been opened.
These included SMKA Falahiah in Kelantan, to accommodate candidates sitting for the exams in SMU (A) Nurul Huda Kajang Sebidang, Tumpat, Kelantan.
"In Kedah, SMK Dato Lela Pahlawan is the alternative venue for candidates from SMK Lunas and SMK Padang Serai," he said.
"In Perak, we have opened an alternative venue at SMK Pangkor, due to a landslide that affected SM Tahfiz Darul Ridzuan.
"The original location has been deemed not safe, and the 20 candidates have been relocated to the alternative venue," he added.
Wong said those affected by the flash flood are advised to contact their respective schools or the state Education Department for assistance.
"I was informed that schools in Manjung have contacted the candidates to check on whether they need any logistical assistance," he added.
