DESPITE the recent floods affecting Johor, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek has confirmed that the 2023 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examinations, scheduled from January 8 to March 7, will proceed as planned

“It will be as per the dates planned, the SPM examination will go ahead,” she told a media conference after launching the East Coast flood aid mission by the PKR Wanita’s wing in Putrajaya today.

She said that the Education Ministry will maintain continuous collaboration with the Malaysian Examination Board and state education departments to address flood and post-flood preparations, ensuring no examination candidate is adversely affected.

“We are used to managing SPM candidates during floods. Even if they are cut off, we will get the support and assistance from other government agencies to take them to the examination centres,” she said.

The ministry had previously stated that 395,870 candidates have registered to sit for the 2023 SPM examination at 3,340 centres nationwide.

The Malay oral test will be from January 8 to 11, the English oral test on January 17-23, the Malay and English listening tests on January 29 and the written exam from January 30 to March 7, while the Science practical tests will be on December 5-7.

According to the flood report issued by the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) as of 4pm, the number of evacuees in Johor dropped to 1,428 people in 12 temporary relief centres compared to 1,485 people in 13 centres in the afternoon.

Of the 12 relief centres still operating, six are in Kota Tinggi with 727 people; three in Johor Bahru with 359 evacuees; two in Mersing with 265 people and one in Kluang with 77 evacuees.

As for the flood aid mission, Fadhlina, who is also the PKR Wanita chief, said the first convoy comprising six four-wheel drive vehicles will leave from Putrajaya tomorrow for Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan.

“The state Wanita chiefs are prepared to handle the aid that will reach the collection centres in Kuantan, Kuala Terengganu and Kota Baru before being distributed to the communities in need,” she said.

The ministry managed to collect various necessities worth RM300,000 which, among others, included food, sanitary pads, disposable diapers and telekung (head scarves) and, according to Fadhlina, the second phase of the aid, involving school items, will be given soon. – Bernama, January 5, 2024.