Early relocations, simulations, and multi-agency coordination ensure exams proceed smoothly during monsoon season.
PUTRAJAYA: With the start of SPM 2025 coinciding with the monsoon season, the Education Ministry has implemented extensive contingency plans to ensure the examinations proceed without disruption.
Education director-general Dr Mohd Azam Ahmad said 259 candidates were identified as potentially at risk due to flooding, but most had already been relocated to school hostels.
“We have identified centres at risk, and early relocation arrangements have been made,” he said, speaking to reporters after visiting SMK Putrajaya Presint 11(1) on the first day of SPM 2025.
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He added that the ministry began mapping flood risks as early as September, identifying students living in flood-prone areas or near rivers.
“We conducted a flood simulation exercise in Kuala Terengganu in September and October to anticipate challenges.
“We are also in constant communication with MetMalaysia for daily weather updates,” he said.
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For centres located near rivers prone to overflow, alternative arrangements have been made, including securing examination papers at police stations.
“If a school hall is used as a temporary flood relief centre, exams can be moved to classrooms or alternative centres.
“Plans are in place for every scenario,” he added.
The ministry had also instructed state education departments to identify students whose homes were at risk of being cut off due to overflowing rivers or flooded roads ahead of the examinations.
“Some of these students were relocated in advance to nearby hostels to prevent the risk of missing their exams,” he said.
According to Mohd Azam, these early measures helped ease the concerns of families and facilitated the management of candidate safety in areas expected to experience continuous rainfall.
Mohd Azam confirmed that all 16 state education departments reported this morning that SPM examinations are proceeding as scheduled.
He credited the cooperation of agencies, schools, parents, and community bodies for ensuring the smooth conduct of the exams.
“These proactive steps ensure that SPM 2025 can be carried out smoothly despite the seasonal challenges,” he said.
The ministry, together with the Malaysian Examinations Board, state and district education offices, and agencies such as the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), the Civil Defence Force, the Fire and Rescue Department, and the police, has coordinated to provide full support to candidates and exam staff.
