Sabah JPN Activates Ops Payung To Help Flood-affected SPM Students

KOTA KINABALU, Jan 31 (Bernama) -- The Sabah Education Department (JPN) has activated Ops Payung to ensure that all Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) candidates, especially those in flood-affected areas, can sit for their exams safely.

Sabah JPN director Datuk Raisin Saidin said at the moment, SPM candidates in Sabah are safe and the department is continuously monitoring the flood situation in affected areas.

“All District Education Offices (PPD) have been instructed to fully implement Ops Payung together with JPN’s strategic partners to provide assistance to SPM candidates,” he said when contacted by Bernama.

Raisin said Sabah JPN’s strategic partners include agencies such as the Fire and Rescue Department as well as the Civil Defence Force.

Yesterday, it was reported that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said State Education Departments have been instructed to take appropriate measures to ensure that affected SPM candidates can sit for their papers safely and under conducive conditions.

The Sabah Disaster Management Committee Secretariat reported that the number of flood victims has risen to 5,617 people from 1,899 families as of 8 am today with 39 temporary evacuation centres now opened, compared to 4,383 individuals from 1,475 families last night.

The SPM examination is scheduled to conclude next Thursday (Feb 6), with the final subject, Geography Paper 2, set to begin at 2 pm.

He said JPN would ensure that examination centres were not affected and advised all students, including SPM candidates, to prioritise their safety, especially in flood-affected areas.

He added that several schools have been converted into temporary evacuation centres in flood-hit districts such as Kota Marudu, Lahad Datu and Sandakan.

“All students and staff are also advised to remain cautious and comply with authorities’ instructions during this flood disaster,” he said.

-- BERNAMA