PUTRAJAYA: As the SPM 2025 examination kicked off yesterday at the height of the monsoon season, the Education Ministry has rolled out an extensive emergency playbook to ensure not a single candidate is left stranded by rising waters.

Education director-general Dr Mohd Azam Ahmad said 259 candidates had been flagged as at risk due to flooding, with most already moved to school hostels ahead of the examination.

“We have identified centres at risk and early relocation arrangements have been made,” he said after visiting SMK Putrajaya Presint 11(1) yesterday.

He said the ministry began mapping flood risks as early as September, pinpointing students living near rivers and in known floodprone zones.

“Some of the students were relocated in advance to nearby hostels to prevent the risk of missing out on the exam.”

Mohd Azam said the early intervention eased families’ anxieties and ensured candidates’ safety as continuous rainfall is expected in several states.

“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 added.

For centres located near overflowing rivers, alternative safeguards have been activated, including securing examination papers at police stations.

“If a school hall is used as a temporary flood relief centre, the exam can be moved to classrooms or alternative centres. Plans are in place for every scenario,” he said.

All 16 state education departments have confirmed that the SPM examination proceeded as scheduled yesterday. Mohd Azam credited the seamless coordination between agencies, schools, parents and community groups.

“These proactive steps ensure that SPM 2025 can be carried out smoothly despite the seasonal challenges,” he said.

On Nov 23, Education Minister Datuk Fadhlina Sidek confirmed that Ops Payung had also been activated following flooding in multiple states.

The operation involves coordination with the National Security Council, police, Fire and Rescue Department and other agencies to ensure candidates’ safety is closely monitored.

This year marks the return of SPM to its traditional November–December window after several years of pandemic adjustments.

A total of 413,372 candidates are sitting for the examination – comprising 358,817 from government schools, 8,051 from governmentlinked agencies, 6,676 from state religious schools, 13,836 from private schools, 23,741 private candidates and 2,251 from independent religious schools.

Mohd Azam also addressed circulating rumours of leaked SPM papers, which gained traction on social media via advertisements offering guaranteed grades.

“From what I have seen, we have not received any official reports. Such information was obtained from social media,” he said, adding that the matter is being handled by the Malaysian Examinations Board (MEB).

“I am confident they have procedures in place because I have served as director myself. We have established protocols to address such matters. For now, we believe SPM questions remain secure,” he said, urging candidates not to be distracted by unverified claims.

The ministry, with the MEB, state and district education offices and agencies including the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma), Civil Defence Force, Fire and Rescue Department and police, are providing full support to candidates and exam personnel.

SPM 2025 runs from Nov 3 to Dec 23, covering nearly a month of examinations beginning with oral assessments before yesterday’s Bahasa Melayu Paper 1. The total number of candidates has risen by about 2.6% from the 402,956 last year.