Kuala Nerus:The Education Ministry is intensifying its efforts to prepare for the Northeast Monsoon to ensure that Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) candidates in flood-prone areas can sit for their exams safely under the initiative called Operasi Payung.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Education (School Operations Sector) deputy director-general Datuk Zainal Abas stated that the annual operation aims to help candidates in flood-affected regions sit for their exams without disruption. Special arrangements will be made for candidates in areas at risk of flooding during the written exams.

For instance, SPM candidates residing on islands in Terengganu will be transported to the mainland and accommodated at fully residential schools, preventing them from having to cross rough seas during the monsoon to reach their exam centers. This arrangement also provides a safer working environment for teachers serving as exam personnel.

The ministry is coordinating with the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) and other relevant agencies to assist areas at risk of flooding. NADMA has allocated over RM7 million for improvements to facilities at schools designated as temporary relief centers, covering repairs and maintenance. An additional RM5 million will support post-monsoon efforts.

Zainal advised schools, parents, and students to remain vigilant and take necessary safety precautions during the monsoon season, emphasizing the importance of health and hygiene.

The ministry is also ready to deploy its Smart Support Team to provide mental health support, while the Academic Support Team will offer academic assistance at temporary relief centers. Despite the school holidays beginning on December 5, these teams will be available to support examination candidates if schools are affected by floods in November.

The 2026 SPM exams will take place from November 23 to December 17, with the Northeast Monsoon expected to last until March 2027.