ALOR STAR: The first day of the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) Bahasa Melayu oral test proceeded smoothly for over 500 flood-affected candidates in Kedah.
Education Ministry secretary-general Datuk Ruji Ubi who visited Kota Setar district to monitor the exam, confirmed that all 28,953 candidates in Kedah began the oral test without any issues, including those impacted by the floods.
"Alhamdulillah, the oral test went smoothly, and no candidates, including those affected by floods, missed the exam.
"There are 28,953 candidates in Kedah, with 25,146 from public schools and the rest from independent schools. They are taking the exam at 264 centres in 204 schools," he said.
Four districts in Kedah — Kota Setar, Kubang Pasu, Sik, and Padang Terap — were impacted by floods, with 532 candidates affected.
"We successfully relocated 188 affected candidates to designated boarding schools yesterday, while others are taking refuge with relatives," he said in a press conference after monitoring the first day of the SPM oral test at SMK Tunku Abdul Malik, one of the four schools in Kota Setar district ravaged by the floods.
Ruji also said that these students, from SMK Alor Merah, SMA Darul Saadah, and SMK Seri Gunong, would stay in hostels at SMK Agama Kedah, SMK Tunku Abdul Malik, and SMK Alor Janggus until the written exams conclude in early February.
"The Bahasa Melayu oral test is taking place this week, followed by the English oral test and Science practicals in the coming weeks. The written exams will start in January," he added.
The relocation plan was part of the ministry's flood mitigation efforts announced by Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, which also includes providing meals, counselling, and academic support to the affected students during their stay at the boarding schools.
Teachers from the students' respective schools can also visit to offer support.
In a related matter, Ruji said out of 50 out of 750 primary and secondary public schools in Kedah were being utilised as temporary flood relief centres (PPS).
"Out of the 750 schools, 15 schools are temporarily closed due to the flooding and a total of 1,520 school students, including SPM candidates are affected," he said.