KUCHING: The Sarawak Education Department (JPNS) has activated comprehensive contingency measures to ensure Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) candidates are not disrupted by potential floods, including deploying its special ‘Operasi Payung’ for affected areas.
Director Omar Mahli said the department has identified several secondary schools located in low-lying areas, although the number of flood-prone schools in Sarawak remained small based on previous years.
“Several schools that were affected in past years have already been identified.
“For example, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Bau does not get flooded but road access is usually cut off, so we have nearby alternative schools for the candidates to report to,” he told reporters after observing the first day of the SPM examination at SMK Penrissen No. 1, Padawan, today.
Omar said between four and six schools were affected by floods in previous years, but most secondary schools in Sarawak are located on higher ground and have designated alternative venues should the need arise.
He added that the main issue often involves road access rather than the school compound itself.
“Last year, when floods were severe, schools worked with local agencies such as the Fire and Rescue Department to transport students from their villages.
“The schools were not affected, but the villages were, so principals accompanied the firefighters and police, including the Civil Defence Force, to bring the students out,” he said.
Apart from flood preparations, JPNS also made arrangements for candidates who encountered health issues during the examination period.
“We take into account the needs of candidates who fall sick or face emergencies on exam day. We can open temporary examination spaces in hospitals if necessary,” he said.
This year’s SPM involves 36,843 candidates across 259 examination centres in Sarawak.
The written examination stretches over 16 days, starting today and ending on Dec 23.
