Ops Payung will assist SPM, STPM candidates affected by floods in Johor

JOHOR BARU: Ops Payung will be carried out if the flood situation in Johor affects candidates sitting for their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) and Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran Malaysia (STPM) exams, says state education, information and communication committee chairman Norliza Noh.

She added that some 48,276 candidates would sit for the SPM exam from Monday (Jan 8) until March 7 involving 364 examination centres, while 8,831 candidates would sit for the STPM exam from Jan 22 to Feb 6 at 75 examination centres in Johor.

“The Johor government and the state Education Department are working closely to hold Ops Payung if the flood happens during the exam season,” she said on Saturday (January 6).

Norliza said several measures would be taken under Ops Payung if several flood scenarios occur during the period.

She added that if the examination centre is affected by the flood while its surrounding area, the candidate’s house and the road to the centre were not involved, then the candidates would be provided accommodation at the school or at a family residence that has the closest access to the school.

“The welfare of candidates and examination staff is the school’s responsibility, including their food and drink.

“We will also be working with the Civil Defence Force and the army to bring the candidates to the examination centre where the candidates are given the freedom to wear any proper clothes if the road going to the centre is flooded,” she said.

Norliza also said that if the flood hit the examination centre, including surrounding areas and access roads, the candidates would be granted a postponement from the examination director to sit the exam.

She said that the Examination Board would then determine the date for the candidates to resit the exam.

“As of now, there are recommendations and requirements for the SPM exam to be postponed. In Johor, it will run as scheduled by the Education Ministry.

“Hopefully, the examinations as well as the teaching and learning process of other students in Johor, will go on smoothly this northeast monsoon season,” she added.