MOE TIGHTENS FLOOD PREPAREDNESS, SAFETY OF SPM CANDIDATES PRIORITY

KOTA BHARU, Nov 23 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Education (MOE) is intensifying preparations and flood-readiness measures following the unpredictable weather over the next two to three days, with particular focus on ensuring the smooth running of the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination.

Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the priority now is to ensure that SPM candidates can sit for their papers without disruption, while also safeguarding the safety of students in flood-prone areas.

“I managed to visit four schools today and witnessed the process of relocating students to hostels as an early safety measure,” she said.

She added that the OPS Payung operation has also been activated as part of preparedness efforts involving the cooperation of various agencies, including National Security Council, Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Fire and Rescue Department, Civil Defence Force (APM) and others.

“OPS Payung is a standard practice during floods, and it ensures that students’ safety can be closely monitored, especially SPM candidates,” she told reporters after visiting the Temporary Evacuation Centre (PPS) at Sekolah Kebangsaan Tapang here today.

She said most SPM candidates in high-risk areas have already been placed in hostels, but the ministry is also prepared to relocate candidates who are stranded or unable to reach the examination centres using assets from the relevant security agencies.

“Alhamdulillah, the Kelantan Education Department has extensive experience and has demonstrated a good level of preparedness. All arrangements have been made properly, and we pray that everything goes smoothly for our SPM candidates,” she said.

Meanwhile, commenting on schooling sessions for students not involved in SPM, she said PdPR (online teaching and learning) will be implemented in schools affected by floods to avoid disrupting the operations of evacuation centres and to ensure the examination process is not interrupted.

“There are no issues regarding school uniforms. What matters is that they dress neatly and attend school or follow PdPR as usual,” she said.

Fadhlina also expressed concern for students who do not stay in hostels but assured that all agencies involved are fully prepared with procedures should any candidate be stranded or unable to reach the examination centre.

“Based on the briefings we received, all agencies know how to manage such situations based on past experience. We hope the weather improves and the examination can proceed smoothly,” she said.

-- BERNAMA