KUALA LUMPUR: The National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) has supported the Education Ministry’s (MOE) decision to proceed with the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination despite the floods and expressed hope that the public will not turn the issue into polemics.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, NUTP’s secretary-general, Fauzi Singon, stated that the decision was made after considering the comprehensive preparations involved in the process. These preparations include developing examination questions, printing, distribution, marking of examination papers, and the announcement of results. Additionally, measures such as the standard operating procedure under Op Payung have been implemented to ensure the smooth execution of the exams.

Fauzi further explained that the examination dates have been coordinated with higher education institutions, and the logistics concerning the large number of examination papers have been thoroughly assessed. He emphasized that if the SPM examination were to be postpo
ned due to flooding, rescheduling would require careful consideration due to the involvement of various parties.

He assured that the MOE remains vigilant, taking necessary measures in collaboration with security agencies to ensure the safety and wellbeing of both candidates and exam personnel. This year, a total of 402,956 candidates have registered to sit for the SPM examination.

Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek noted that the SPM examination commenced smoothly with the Malay Language Oral Test, ensuring no candidates were excluded, even in flood-affected states. Measures under Op Payung include accommodating affected candidates in selected hostels and allowing those unable to return to their home states to sit for exams at designated examination centres.