KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 2 — Over 400,000 candidates of the 2024 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) have registered to sit for their written examinations, which commence today at 3,000 centres across the country.
This morning's clear weather in most states has eased candidates' journeys to attend this crucial examination, although certain areas in Kelantan, Johor, and Perak are still affected by floods.
A check by Bernama found that most students arrived early to attend briefings before entering examination halls to sit for the Bahasa Melayu Kertas 1, which began at 8.15 am.
In the capital city, 20,676 candidates registered for the written examination at 160 examination centres. Of the total, 15,846 are candidates from government schools, 238 candidates from schools under government agencies, 2,626 candidates from private schools, and 1,966 private candidates.
Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur Education Department director Megat Affandi Ismail said that out of this number, 110 are candidates with special educational needs (CBPK) across various categories.
“We also facilitate candidates sitting for the examination in hospitals across Kuala Lumpur due to health issues. A total of nine candidates are sitting for the examination in hospitals,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Education Ministry (MOE) is working closely with the National Disaster Management Agency and the Malaysian Meteorological Department to implement early measures to assist candidates affected by disasters.
Deputy Minister Wong Kah Woh said the assistance is not limited to flood victims but extends to those affected by any disaster.
“For students or states impacted by disasters, the MOE is prepared with a contingency operation known as ‘Operasi Payung’ to ensure students can attend the SPM examination.
“This reflects the ministry’s commitment and proactive efforts. At the same time, we continue to collaborate with the two agencies to ensure early preparedness for potential disasters.”
Wong was speaking to reporters after delivering a motivational speech to SPM candidates of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Kampong Pasir Puteh here today.
He expressed confidence in the ministry’s ability to manage unexpected situations, citing its successful handling of the recent oral examination phase affected by floods.
He also encouraged SPM candidates facing any issues to contact the Examination Board’s operations room at 03-8889 3551 or 03-8889 3601 or the State Education Department at 05-501 5170, 05-501 5177, or 05-501 5264.
In Kelantan, state Education Director Datuk Mohd Zamri Abdul Aziz said examination proceeded smoothly this morning, involving 27,017 candidates at 284 centres, with two of them still submerged under 0.3 metres of water.
He said the affected centres were SMUA Diniah and SMUA Al-Falah, located in Rantau Panjang, with 16 and 48 candidates, respectively.
In Terengganu, Education Director Jelani Sulong said that so far, no examination centres had been affected by floods, and 18,612 candidates were sitting for the written exam at 172 centres across the state.
Meanwhile in Putrajaya, its Education Director Ezaiddin Hussain said 2,090 candidates had registered to sit for their SPM at 11 examination centres.
Of the total, two candidates are sitting for their SPM at Putrajaya Hospital and there are 10 special educational needs (CBPK) candidates.
In Selangor, state Education Director Jafri Abu said 73,899 candidates from 410 schools registered for the exam in the state.
In Johor, 49,980 candidates, including 214 CBPK candidates, are sitting for the exam at 375 centres.
Education Director-General Azman Adnan told a press conference after visiting SMK Tinggi Batu Pahat this morning that 5,355 invigilators are on duty for the written SPM exam in Johor.
In Pahang, state Education Director Datuk Amzan Abd Malek said 20,401 candidates are sitting for their written exam at 259 centres, involving 229 schools.
The Melaka Education Department announced that 13,311 candidates, including 70 CBPK candidates, are sitting for the exam at 101 centres.
In Negeri Sembilan, 16,929 candidates are sitting for the exam, compared to 15,977 candidates last year, marking a six per cent increase, said acting Education Director Putra Hashim.
He noted that 804 private candidates, including two candidates over the age of 60, are sitting for the exam, while the number of CBPK candidates has doubled to 62, compared to 31 last year.
In Perak, state Education Director Safuan Raba’ai said 31,705 candidates, including 135 CBPK candidates, are sitting for the exam at 323 centres.
In Penang, Education Director Wan Sajiri Wan Hassan said that 19,255 candidates are sitting for the exam at 155 centres across the state, with 1,738 invigilators appointed to ensure the smooth conduct of the exam.
In Kedah, Education Director Ismail Othman said that 28,944 candidates, including 71 CBPK candidates, are sitting for their written exams at 264 centres, while in Perlis, 3,551 candidates, including 22 CBPK candidates, are sitting for the exam at 36 centres.
In Sarawak, Education Director Omar Mahli confirmed that no secondary schools or SPM candidates in the state have been affected by floods and 35,424 candidates are sitting for the exam, including 146 CBPK candidates.
“We are prepared with the Op Payung, which means some schools have been identified as alternative centres to accommodate SPM candidates in case of floods," he said.
In Sabah, Education Director Datuk Raisin Sadin said 39,548 candidates are sitting for their written SPM exam at 313 centres.
— Bernama
