Students not the only ones getting ready for SPM

PETALING JAYA: Preparations for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) 2020 exams are in full swing.

The much delayed exams, last held in 2019 before the Covid-19 pandemic hit the country, will begin next Monday.

Some schools started their preparations as early as last week, a check by The Star revealed.

Sekolah Menengah Islam IQKL, Kuala Lumpur started arranging their exam hall and isolation rooms on Feb 11.

Its senior assistant (co-curriculum) Noorul Khatimah Tajul Aripin said the private boarding school has 46 SPM 2020 candidates.

“It’s a small number of candidates so we are able to fit them in our exam hall, with enough room for physical distancing.

“We have followed standard operating procedure, but we are taking extra precautions to ensure students’ safety. We did a swab test on our own initiative for all 46 candidates and the teachers. All have returned negative,” she said.

SMK Puncak Alam 3, Bandar Puncak Alam’s 186 SPM 2020 candidates will be placed in one hall, which accommodates 54 candidates and 12 classrooms.

Senior assistant (administration) Norliza Fatahur Raji said preparations began on Thursday.

“Each of the 12 classrooms will accommodate a dozen candidates with sufficient physical distancing between them.

“The ministry’s guidelines are good but of course, everyone plays a role in ensuring they and the people around them are safe,” she said.

Examinations Syndicate director Datuk Pkharuddin Ghazali said SPM candidates who tested positive for Covid-19 or are quarantined as a result of being in close contact with a positive case, will not be allowed to sit for the exam.

They will instead sit for the rescheduled exam.