KUALA LUMPUR – The Ministry of Education (MOE) has been urged to undertake a more thorough study, particularly on weather patterns, to address the challenges faced by Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) candidates sitting for exams during the flood season.
Speaking to Scoop, the president of the National Parent-Teacher Association Consultative Council (PIBGN), Associate Professor Datuk Dr Mohamad Ali Hasan, emphasised the need for MOE to collaborate with agencies specialising in climate data and trends.
He stated that this step is crucial to prevent recurring issues during the annual monsoon season or northeast monsoon.
“The MOE must closely examine and study weather trends in collaboration with relevant ministries, including the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia).
“Extreme floods follow predictable cycles of 10, 15, or 20 years.
“If forecasts indicate a high likelihood of extreme floods, we can prepare early. By analysing available data, examination dates could be adjusted to an earlier period.
“This underscores the importance of engagement with experts, agencies, and other stakeholders to determine the most suitable timing for exams,” he said today.
Mohamad Ali added that he hoped the MOE would carefully examine this matter before making any decisions, including shifting the examination dates outside the monsoon season.
“We must ensure no students are left behind and that all can sit for their exams.
“If the MOE insists on proceeding with exams in flood-affected areas, measures must be in place to ensure fairness for impacted students.
“Provide the necessary support and ensure they are fully prepared, including uniforms and other essentials for the exams,” he said.
He also suggested that if students have been relocated to temporary relief centres (PPS), the MOE should arrange dedicated spaces within the centres to facilitate study sessions.
“Teachers can also be stationed at these centres to offer motivation and support for group revision.
“The priority is ensuring students sit for their exams with confidence and receive the motivational backing they need to maintain their mental well-being and performance,” he added.
Earlier, several parties called for the MOE to consider postponing the SPM exams due to adverse weather and flooding in the country.
Concerns have been raised about the physical and mental toll on students, particularly in flood-hit areas in the East Coast.
However, the MOE announced today that the SPM and Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) exams will not be delayed, citing comprehensive mechanisms in place to manage students affected by the northeast monsoon.
Director-General of Education Azman Adnan stated that the MOE’s Ops Payung standard operating procedure (SOP) ensures students can take their exams despite the floods.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek added that the MOE and the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) have worked to ensure no candidates are excluded from the oral tests scheduled today.
She noted that a difficult decision had to be made, considering the cascading effects of postponing the SPM exams.
The minister also mentioned that the MOE would consider implementing SPM exams outside the monsoon season in the future. – December 3, 2024