THE Bahasa Melayu and English Language papers of 708 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) 2021 candidates in Kelantan have been postponed to the second session next month as their schools are flooded, Senior Education Minister Radzi Jidin said.

The seven affected schools in the Pasir Mas district are Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Rantau Panjang, SMK Gual Periok, SMK Baroh Pial, Sekolah Menengah Agama Maahad Muhammadi Rantau Panjang, SMK Meranti, Sekolah Menengah Ugama (SMU) AL-Falah Siram and SMU Khairiah Banggol Setol.

The students were scheduled to sit the two papers tomorrow and on Thursday but the tests have been postponed to next month on a date yet to be decided, Radzi said. 

“The Education Ministry has decided that the schools cannot be used as examination centres because the areas are flooded, preventing candidates and examination officials from entering the premises,” he told a press conference after visiting SMK Agama Lati in Rantau Panjang today.

“The schools have contacted the candidates concerned and it is expected that the examination paper on March 7 will proceed as scheduled.”

Radzi also urged SPM 2021 candidates in the state who are facing difficulty going to their schools or be present at the examination centres to contact their class teacher, school examination secretary or principal.

“They can get information on the current situation and any alternative examination centres that they can attend,” he said.

He also said SPM 2021 candidates affected by the floods are allowed to be present at examination centres without wearing school uniforms.

“It is okay for the affected candidates to wear whatever clothes available. In a crisis situation, we cannot be too selective. It is important for the children to be calm when going to the examination centres,” he said.

Radzi said the situation in Terengganu is improving and the affected SPM candidates could sit their papers at alternative examination centres. – Bernama, March 1, 2022.