Fadhlina Reviews Schools' Flood Preparedness In Kedah

ALOR SETAR, Oct 30 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Education (MOE) is working to ensure that schools' preparedness for disasters is at the best level and that the safety aspects of students, teachers and all education staff are maintained.

The MOE in a statement today said Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek had held a one-day working visit to Kedah to review preparations for the Northeast Monsoon (MTL) phenomenon and possible flood disasters.

"The Education Minister chaired a coordination meeting to prepare for the MTL together with the top management of the Kedah Education Department and district education officers.

"Preparations also included the need to conduct the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination in flood situations. This includes districts and schools at risk of flooding as well as students and teachers who may be affected,” it said.

According to the MOE, Fadhlina also inspected preparations at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Tunku Abdul Malik, here, which will be used as a placement centre for SPM candidates during flood situations.

Fadhlina also visited flood-affected victims at Sekolah Kebangsaan Titi Haji Idris, Pendang, which has been used as a temporary relief centre (PPS).

As of this evening, a total of 128 victims are still being housed at the PPS.

Meanwhile, the SMK Tunku Abdul Malik principal Faridah Derani, when met by reporters, said the school’s hostel had been vacated to make way for SPM candidates affected by the floods to stay during the examination period.

“A total of 74 SPM candidates at this school are expected to be affected by the floods, so according to the standard operating procedure (SOP), we will vacate this hostel for their convenience.

“In addition, this school will also accept 45 candidates from SMK Alor Merah who will also sit for the SPM examination,” she said.

According to her, during that period, home-based teaching and learning (PdPR) will be implemented for Form One to Four students at SMK Tunku Abdul Malik.

Meanwhile, the Kedah Disaster Management Committee Secretariat announced that as of 4 pm today, a total of 665 flood victims were still being housed in four PPS in the Kota Setar and Pendang districts.

-- BERNAMA