NIBONG TEBAL: Two Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia candidates in Penang are still sheltering as flood victims.
State education director Mohamad Dziauddin Mat Saad said the two candidates are staying at a flood evacuation centre in SK Lahar Yooi.
He said they are sitting for the written examination, which began on Tuesday (Nov 25) at SMK Pokok Sena.
“We were informed that eight SPM candidates had their homes affected by the floods,” he said.
“They are now staying in school hostels or with nearby family members or relatives, and only two remain at the flood evacuation centres,” added Mohamad Dzaiuddin.
He said this at a press conference after visiting SMK Jawi on the first day of the written papers.
Mohamad Dziauddin said the school will continue to monitor all affected candidates.
He said if they wish to be placed in hostels, the respective schools will make the arrangements, and added some candidates prefer to stay with close relatives for comfort.
Mohamad Dzaiuddin said any decision will be made with their parents’ consent.
To ensure the SPM examination runs smoothly, he said all secondary schools in the state will not be used as flood evacuation centres.
He said this is to ensure the comfort of candidates until the examination ends on Dec 23.
Three flood evacuation centres were activated at SK Lahar Yooi, SK Permatang Pasir and SK Pengkalan Jaya following the floods on November 22.
He said five candidates are sitting for their examinations in hospital due to ill health.
Mohd Dzaiuddin said the candidates are at the Penang Hospital, Lam Wah Ee Hospital, Bagan Specialist Centre and Seberang Jaya Hospital.
“We have always received good cooperation from all hospitals in the state. They are informed of the standard operating procedures for conducting examinations in hospital,” he added.
Mohamad Dziauddin said the department will continue to monitor weather updates from the Malaysian Meteorological Department and the National Disaster Management Agency.
He said this is to determine the next course of action should floods occur in other areas near schools, adding only a few locations are affected, and the situation is being closely tracked.
He said this is to assess any potential flooding that could disrupt specific areas.
Earlier, he spent about 30 minutes welcoming candidates at the school.
He took the opportunity to wish them good luck.
SPM this year sees 20,060 candidates in 156 designated centres in Penang.
A total of 1,973 invigilators were appointed.
