Education Minister Defends SPM Malay Oral Exam Amid Floods, Attendance Hits 97.5%"

PUTRAJAYA — Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek defended the decision to proceed with the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) Malay oral test despite recent floods, citing an impressive 97.49% attendance rate.

Fadhlina explained that after consulting with relevant authorities and considering safety concerns, the decision was made to continue with the exam. Attendance in the hardest-hit states was notably high: 97.54% in Kelantan, 98.01% in Terengganu, and 97.94% in Kedah.

Though the decision sparked controversy, Fadhlina emphasized that it was made with the students' best interests in mind, sharing that many students expressed gratitude for the opportunity, even describing their experience of taking the exam by boat.

In other news, Fadhlina extended her condolences to the family of a student who tragically died of suspected electrocution at a religious school in Serdang. She also highlighted the importance of improving security at schools to prevent such incidents.

Fadhlina also expressed sorrow over a tragic vehicle accident in Terengganu, which claimed the life of a Teacher Education Institute student and left several others injured.