ALOR STAR: Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) candidates in flood-hit Kedah remain unwavering in their resolve despite the difficulties they face.
Seventeen-year-old Muhammad Haziq Radzuan from SMK Alor Janggus said his home in Kampung Gelong Air was inundated during the floods on Thursday, but his family chose not to relocate.
"I have done my best and I am aiming to score A in Bahasa Melayu and History for this year's SPM. The floods have not distracted me from sitting for the exams tomorrow, as I am used to wading through floodwaters during tests and exams before this. This is indeed a test for me, as my house was flooded right before the exams, but it has not dampened my spirit to give my best," he said when met at SMK Alor Janggus today.
Haziq said he is determined to make his parents proud and give them a better life.
"Previously, during the rainy season, I would stay at my grandmother's house nearby to ensure I could reach school without trouble. However, her house is also flooded now. So I decided to stay at SMK Alor Janggus today to ensure I am not late for the exams tomorrow," said the son of a labour worker, while his mother is a homemaker.
Haziq expressed hopes to pursue his dream of becoming an architect, starting with excelling in SPM.
Another candidate, Nur Khairunnisa Khairul Hafiz, 17, also decided to stay at the SMK Alor Janggus hostel a day before the exams. She said her parents and younger sibling are currently sheltering at a bus stop near their home in Anak Bukit, as all temporary flood relief centres (PPS) are full.
"I just remind myself that I have been studying from Year One to Form Five. I must make the most of what I have learnt. The floods have been overwhelming, as I have to think about my belongings, schoolbooks, clothes, and our home, which is submerged. My parents advised me to focus and give my all during the exams, as I am aiming for five A grades," said the eldest of two siblings.
Both Haziq and Nur Khairunnisa are among 5,377 SPM candidates evacuated in Kelantan, Kedah, and Terengganu due to the floods.
Earlier, it was reported that SPM candidates affected by the floods are being moved to hostels or alternative examination centres.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the decision was made based on advice from the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) to ensure the exams proceed smoothly for candidates in flood-stricken areas.