Almost all flood-affected candidates sat for SPM oral test, says Fadhlina

KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 99% of candidates affected by floods have successfully sat for the SPM oral test as scheduled, according to Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek.

She added that only candidates at SMK Rantau Panjang, Kelantan, were allowed to sit for the test from yesterday (Dec 3) until Dec 5.

She praised the collective efforts of various authorities and individuals, including Kelantan MPs, who worked together to ensure that students in flood-stricken areas were cared for.

“During the evacuation process, we anticipated and identified any possible dropout rates. According to the latest information, only candidates at SMK Rantau Panjang would be allowed to sit for the SPM Bahasa Malaysia oral test from Tuesday until Thursday,” she said while concluding the Education Ministry’s Budget 2025 discussions at the committee stage in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (Dec 3).

Fadhlina noted that the decision to proceed with the SPM examination amid the floods was a collective decision by various stakeholders.

“I would like to emphasise that the operation, known as Ops Payung, was activated once we received updates from all relevant agencies in disaster and security management.

“We also undertook collective engagement and risk management. As a result, only 1% of the candidates were affected,” she said, adding that the mental preparation of the candidates was also considered.

The positive impact proved that the rescue and evacuation efforts were successful, ensuring SPM candidates could sit for their test safely, she added.

She also responded to questions from Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah (Perikatan Nasional-Indera Mahkota) and Datuk Dr Radzi Jidin (Perikatan Nasional-Putrajaya) about whether the Education Ministry plans to hold a second session of the SPM exam for flood-affected candidates.

Fadhlina stated it was too early to discuss the matter, as the Education Ministry’s priority remains on taking appropriate action based on the current flood disaster situation.

“It’s a long way off. January (the SPM written exam just started). So let’s focus on the current flood situation,” she said.

A total of 402,956 candidates registered to sit for the SPM 2024 examination. The Bahasa Malaysia Oral Test started on Monday (Dec 2).

The written exam for SPM will be held from Jan 2 to Feb 6, 2025.