KUALA LUMPUR: The Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination, which began today with the Malay Language oral test, is running smoothly, including in flood-hit states, thanks to good planning and coordination between ministries and agencies to ensure no student is left behind.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Education Minister, Fadhlina Sidek, announced that the Malay Language oral test, scheduled from today until December 5, would proceed as planned, even in the nine flood-affected states, by adhering to the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) of Ops Payung.

In Terengganu, the ongoing floods have not hampered the oral test involving 261 students. These students were transported from temporary relief centres to alternative examination centres. Jelani Sulong, the Terengganu Education Department (JPNT) director, stated that the process of relocating students began early in the morning, with assistance from security agencies such as the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF), the Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), a
nd the Civil Defence Force (APM). The operation, following Ops Payung procedures, ensured all students arrived safely at their examination centres.

In Kelantan, 144 candidates at SMK Kuala Krai took their oral tests amidst the flooding in their area. The school had previously arranged for all SPM candidates to stay in the dormitory to mitigate risks during the flood. The Kelantan Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (JBPM) played a crucial role in ensuring the exams proceeded smoothly, even transporting 37 teachers by fire truck in Tumpat to collect exam papers.

In Negeri Sembilan, the education department’s acting director, Putra Hashim, reported that all candidates faced no issues, with the 28 candidates from relief centres returning home following flood improvements. A total of 16,125 candidates from various educational institutions are sitting for the oral test in the state.

The 2024 SPM examination, which continues until February 6, involves 402,956 candidates across 3,337 examination centres nation
wide. In Pahang, 37 students were affected by floods. However, the state education director, Amzan Abd Malek, confirmed that measures were in place to assist them. Despite flooding at SMK Clifford in Lipis, the exam went on unaffected.

In Kedah, MOE secretary-general Datuk Ruji Ubi noted that 28,953 candidates were sitting for SPM, with over 530 flood-affected candidates housed in dormitories. Candidates like Nur Awatif Solehah Mohd Amir confirmed their preparations and participation in the exams were not disrupted.

In Perlis, state education director Rose Aza Che Arifin confirmed the smooth conduct of the Malay Language oral test, with no candidates encountering issues. Flood-affected candidate Muhammad Amirul Alif expressed gratitude for the arrangements made to facilitate his exam participation.