KUALA LUMPUR: There have been no reported issues involving candidates during the ongoing Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) oral exams in states affected by floods, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said SPM candidates in flood-affected states have been able to attend all of the exam sessions without any difficulties.
"The oral exams started on Monday and today is the last day. There have been no issues and the candidates (in states affected by floods) have had no trouble attending any of the exam sessions. We have also provided flexibility for schools to make adjustments as needed.
"At the Education Ministry, we have made preparations that take into account every aspect, including the upcoming written exams (scheduled to take place next month), as outlined in Op Payung," she said in response to Roslan Hashim (PN-Kulim Bandar Baharu).
Under Op Payung, candidates affected by the floods will be placed in hostels to ensure they can sit for their examinations comfortably and as scheduled.
Support groups comprising counselling teachers are also available to assist the candidates so that any psychological or social issues can be effectively addressed.
Meanwhile, Fadhlina said, since the onset of the northeast monsoon on Nov 5, a total of 470 educational institutions have been converted into temporary relief centres (PPS).
These were 392 primary schools, 77 secondary schools and one vocational college.
She said the top three states with the most schools converted into PPS are Kelantan (240), Terengganu (137) and Kedah (51).
Fadhlina said the number of students placed in PPS since the start of the northeast monsoon has reached 23,957.
"As of 8am today, 117 schools are still operating as PPS, consisting of 93 primary schools and 24 secondary schools. Currently, 7,212 students remain in these centres: 5,305 students in Kelantan, 1,090 in Terengganu, 767 in Kedah, 30 in Melaka, 18 in Johor, and two in Perak."
Fadhlina said the ministry has mobilised the Smart Support Team (SST) and the Academic Support Team (AST) to assist at the PPS.
"The SST comprises experienced and trained guidance and counseling teachers, along with volunteers, to support the emotional well-being of students affected by the flood situation. The AST helps ensure that students can continue their learning, even while staying at the PPS."
Fadhlina emphasised that the ministry was closely monitoring the welfare and safety of students, teachers, school staff and the assets managed by the ministry.