BATU PAHAT: The Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examinations in Johor will proceed as planned on Monday, Jan 6, despite the state declaring a public holiday to mark the transition to a new weekend schedule.
Education Department director-general Azman Adnan confirmed the decision following discussions between the Education Ministry (MoE) and the Johor state government.
"Examinations for English and Tasawwur Islam will take place as scheduled.
"Candidates will report to their schools, and exam personnel, including teachers, will carry out their duties as usual," he said at a press conference after observing the first day of written SPM exams at Sekolah Tinggi Batu Pahat today.
He said the Johor State Education Department would manage a replacement leave mechanism for teachers and staff working on the public holiday.
Last month, the Johor state government announced the additional holiday to align with the state's return to a Saturday-Sunday weekend.
The decision, made under Section 9(1) of the Holidays Act 1951 (Act 369), ensures a balanced number of working days during the transition week.
The change in Johor's weekend policy, effective yesterday (Jan 1), was decreed by the Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail, in October last year.