KUALA NERUS: The Education Ministry is stepping up preparations for the Northeast Monsoon (MTL) to ensure that Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) candidates in flood-prone areas can sit for their examinations safely and comfortably through Operasi Payung.
Education (school operations sector) deputy director-general Datuk Zainal Abas said the annual operation was aimed at helping candidates in flood-affected areas sit for their examinations without disruption.
He said candidates in areas at risk of flooding would be given special arrangements during the written examinations.
"For example, SPM candidates living on islands in Terengganu will be brought to the mainland and accommodated at fully residential schools. This will prevent them from having to cross rough seas during the monsoon season to reach their examination centres.
"It will also provide a safer and more suitable working environment for teachers serving as examination personnel," he told reporters after the Terafecta Digital Luminaries Awards ceremony organised by the Terengganu State Education Department (JPNT) at Dewan Jubli Perak, Bandar Baru Kuala Nerus here Monday (Nov 2).
Zainal said the ministry was also coordinating preparations with the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma), state and district disaster management committees and other relevant agencies to assist areas at risk of flooding.
On schools designated as temporary relief centres (PPS), he said Nadma had allocated more than RM7mil this year to help the ministry improve its facilities.
The allocation covered toilet repairs and school maintenance to ensure the facilities were in good condition to accommodate flood victims.
"Recently, we were also informed that Nadma would provide an additional RM5mil to support the ministry's post-Northeast Monsoon efforts," he said.
He advised schools, parents and students to remain vigilant and take the necessary safety precautions throughout the monsoon season.
Parents, particularly those living in flood-prone areas, were urged to keep a close watch on their children to prevent accidents.
"Children playing in floodwaters or near drains during floods can put themselves in danger. Parents should therefore pay closer attention to their children's safety. Health and hygiene must also be prioritised," he said.
Zainal said the ministry was also ready to deploy its Smart Support Team (SST), comprising counselling teachers, to provide mental health support programmes and activities for primary school pupils.
The Academic Support Team (AST) would also assist students affected by floods, including by providing academic support at temporary relief centres.
"Although the school holidays begin on Dec 5, these teams can still be deployed to flood relief centres if schools are affected by floods in November, particularly to support examination candidates," he said.
He expressed hope that preparations and coordination with Nadma, state disaster management committees, the police (PDRM), the Civil Defence Force (APM) and other agencies would proceed smoothly to address any eventuality during the monsoon season.
The 2026 SPM written examinations will be held from Nov 23 to Dec 17, while the Northeast Monsoon began on Oct 27 and is expected to continue until March 2027. - Bernama
