BESUT: The Education Ministry says there is no need to postpone the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) exams, including the oral exam dates, during the flood disaster, as multiple factors need to be considered.
Education director-general Azman Adnan said the country faces annual flooding, especially during the Northeast Monsoon.
He explained that the ministry has mechanisms in place to address flood-related issues, particularly concerning public exams such as SPM and the Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM).
"We will improve Op Payung, including addressing various issues at the school level, district education offices and state education departments.
"Coordination with rescue teams, including the police, army, and other agencies, will continue throughout the flood crisis," he said during a visit to Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Bukit Payong today.
Also present was Terengganu education director Jelani Sulong.
Azman explained that the exam schedules are carefully planned, taking into account various factors, and any delay would disrupt other matters, including students' university admissions.
"Students taking the exams are placed in dormitories to allow them to revise comfortably, with access to study facilities such as classrooms and libraries.
"I met the SPM candidates, and they were very excited to sit for the exams, despite having to go through the floods. They have received support from various parties, including the Social Welfare Department.
"We have instructed all relevant parties, including support groups consisting of counselling teachers, to assist the candidates so that any psychological or social issues can be effectively addressed," he said.
The ministry has so far identified 132 schools nationwide affected by the floods.