KUALA LUMPUR – Opposition lawmakers have urged the Education Ministry to consider allowing Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) candidates affected by floods to sit for their examinations during a later session.
Stressing the necessity of a second SPM session considering the physical and mental tolls floods can impose on victims, the Perikatan Nasional (PN) parliamentarians cautioned that the ministry would be seen as “unempathetic” if it refused to consider students’ plights.
Bersatu MP Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah (Indera Mahkota-PN), a former deputy higher education minister, said that he understands the “anxiety and stress” experienced by flood victims, particularly students whose study materials were damaged during the natural disaster.
“To the SPM students who still have to sit for their examinations despite the floods, we on this side (opposition) offer our empathy for the sufferings you have to go through.
“Is it not possible that SPM candidates affected by the floods be allowed to sit for a second session of the exam at a more suitable time?” he queried while debating the Supply Bill 2025 at the committee level for allocations to the ministry.
He said that while SPM candidates who were not affected by the floods and are able to sit for the examinations should be able to do so, he stressed that some students who were physically and mentally impacted by the situation should be provided with an alternative.
“It’s not a question of postponing the examinations for all candidates, just those affected by the floods. It’s also not very relevant to bring up the issue of applications to higher education institutes.
“If you can’t even sit for your SPM, what higher education will you be able to enter?” he questioned, pointing out that the previous PN administration had successfully organised a second SPM session during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Expressing similar sentiments, Bersatu Women chief Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin (Masjid Tanah-PN) asked Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek (Nibong Tebal-PH) to clarify the ministry’s supposed opposition to holding a second SPM examination session.
“Is the ministry seemingly not entertaining the suggestion because there is not enough stock of backup examination questions prepared by the Malaysian Examinations Council?
“It would appear that something is going on here. The minister must address the matter,” she said, slamming Fadhlina for apparently failing to understand the dire situation faced by SPM candidates due to floods.
Besides citing an academic journal on the psychological effect floods can cause victims, Mas also invited former education minister Datuk Radzi Jidin (Putrajaya-PN) to contribute to her debate and back calls for a second SPM session.
Previously, several quarters called for the ministry to consider postponing the SPM examinations due to adverse weather, with concerns raised on the physical and mental effects on students, particularly those in flood-hit areas in the East Coast.
The ministry announced on December 1 that the SPM and Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) examinations will not be delayed, citing comprehensive mechanisms in place to manage students affected by the northeast monsoon.
Fadhlina said that the decision was made based on advice from the National Disaster Management Agency and forecasts from the Malaysian Meteorological Department regarding the northeast monsoon situation, which is expected to persist until February 2025.
She also said the ministry would consider implementing SPM examinations outside the monsoon season in the future. – December 3, 2024