JOHOR BARU: Johor has tightened security for this year’s SPM examination by implementing metal detector screenings at all examination centres.
State education and information committee chairman Aznan Tamin, who disclosed this, said all 372 centres had been supplied with at least one metal detector unit by the state education department to guard against students bringing prohibited items into examination halls.
“This step is important because with today’s technology, there are devices that can record or transmit information. We want to prevent such incidents from happening in SPM centres.
“The metal detectors will be used daily throughout the examination period, with students screened before they enter the exam hall for both morning and afternoon sessions,” he told reporters after visiting SMK Sultan Ismail here yesterday.
He said the use of metal detectors could also be expanded to regular school days, but added that the matter would be discussed next year.
“For now, this is implemented specifically for SPM. We are looking at expanding it to normal school days as part of ongoing safety measures,” he said, adding that a total of 49,654 candidates are taking the SPM in Johor this year.
Aznan also said early preparations had been made to ensure the examination runs smoothly statewide even in the event of floods.
“We have identified possible affected districts such as Segamat and Mersing and arranged contingency plans with the district education offices.
“Coordination has been carried out at the state and district levels to ensure that SPM can continue even if certain schools are used as temporary flood relief centres,” he said.
Aznan said free meals for SPM candidates commenced statewide starting yesterday.
“This is a state government initiative. This has been coordinated by the district education office and schools and lunch will be provided for candidates sitting for the exams,” he said.
He hoped that the exam period, which runs until Dec 23, would proceed without disruptions.
