KUALA LUMPUR – The Education Ministry (MOE) will proceed with the 2024 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) Malay Language oral examination in flood-affected states, including Kelantan, Terengganu, and Kedah, as planned from tomorrow until Thursday (December 5).
This decision follows advice from the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA).
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek assured that all SPM candidates, including those in institutions not under the ministry’s purview, would be evacuated and relocated to dormitories to ensure they can sit for their examinations.
“The coordination of data for SPM candidates has been completed with the assistance of the Kelantan State Education Department (JPN).
“Our team has just finalised this and will ensure the process is handled promptly. The transfer of candidates is being managed by the JPN and security agencies,” she said, addressing concerns from parents in flood-hit Kelantan.
She added that candidates affected by floods would not be required to wear school uniforms for the Malay Language oral examinations starting tomorrow, instead being allowed to wear appropriate attire.
“There is some flexibility in attire for these students. We will ensure their attendance and readiness.
“Dormitories where they will be placed are also being equipped with necessities, including stationery, clothing, and other provisions, to create a conducive environment for studying and revision,” she said.
Preparedness despite challenges
Fadhlina said that the decision to proceed is based on forecasts from the Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMalaysia) regarding the Northeast Monsoon (MTL), which is expected to persist until February 2025.
“MOE is prepared to conduct examinations during flood situations based on the Ops Payung standard operating procedures (SOP) and the MTL Action Plan.
“MOE is also collaborating with agencies such as NADMA, the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF), and the Civil Defence Force (APM) to ensure the smooth conduct of the SPM examinations,” she said during a special press conference today on the ministry’s flood management efforts and SPM preparations.
Fadhlina revealed that 5,377 SPM candidates are affected by floods across the three states, with 3,111 candidates in Kelantan, 1,734 in Terengganu, and 532 in Kedah.
Earlier this week, the MOE confirmed that the 2024 SPM examination period would run from December 2, 2024, to February 6, 2025.
Examination schedule
In a statement, the ministry outlined the schedule:
Malay Language Oral Test: December 2–5
Science Practical Tests: December 9, 10, and 12
English Language Oral Test: December 16–19
Malay Language Listening Test: December 31
English Language Listening Test: December 31
The written examinations are scheduled from January 2 to February 6, 2025.
Ready for unforeseen circumstances
Addressing the worsening floods, particularly in Kelantan, Fadhlina said the MOE is fully prepared, including for unexpected situations that may prevent SPM candidates from attending their examinations.
“Our preparations are based on the Ops Payung SOP. In addition, the MOE has an MTL Action Plan, and a circular on this was issued to ministry personnel on October 22,” she said.
“The decision to proceed with the oral tests takes into account advice from NADMA and METMalaysia’s forecast regarding the prolonged MTL situation,” she added.
When asked if there had been calls to postpone the exams, Fadhlina replied, “There are no such requests so far. However, we are fully prepared with various measures, considering floods occur annually. What we are enhancing is readiness for unexpected scenarios, covering aspects such as safety, preparedness, and psychosocial support for affected students.
“If there are unforeseen issues, we are ready to make improvements. For now, the operations are continuing as usual, based on the safety guidance provided from time to time,” she said.
As of 1 pm today, 150,753 flood victims have been recorded across 10 states, with Kelantan reporting the highest number at 96,757 individuals from 29,871 families.
The other affected states are Johor, Kedah, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Selangor, and Terengganu. – December 1, 2024