PUTRAJAYA: The Education Ministry is ready to reactivate Op Payung in flood-hit states to ensure Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examinations go smoothly.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the ministry and state and district education offices made preparations in advance.
"If anything arises, especially floods, we are ready to activate Op Payung again," said Fadhlina at the SPM Operations press conference today.
She said the situation in all identified high-risk states were under control.
"We received several reports on floods. But candidates remained at their examination centres and took their exams at the same schools as the floods are manageable."
Fadhlina said the SPM turnout was strong.
"The attendance rate is 97 per cent (up to 10am), which is a good turnout.
"We hope the attendance rate will improve and all students will be present for the SPM examinations."
She said the ministry was monitoring special needs students and those taking exams at hospitals or under detention.
"In Negeri Sembilan, two 63-year-old candidates are taking SPM."
She said 402,956 candidates were sitting the exams at 3,337 centres nationwide, supported by 44,968 examination staff, including volunteer invigilators.
Earlier today, Education Ministry director-general Azman Adnan said the ministry had identified 133 alternative examination centres in six states.
He said the alternative examination centres were in high-risk areas in Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah, Pahang, Johor and Sabah.