Kelantan to relocate SPM candidates to flood-safe schools if early floods strike
Kelantan’s Education Department (JPN) will immediately relocate Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) candidates to safer schools if flooding disrupts exams, following recent flash floods in Gua Musang. The move applies to…
Source: BERNAMA · September 23, 2026 at 12:32 PM · AI-assisted report
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KOTA BHARU, 23 SEPTEMBER 2026 —
Kelantan’s Education Department (JPN) will immediately relocate Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) candidates to safer schools if flooding disrupts exams, following recent flash floods in Gua Musang. The move applies to students in high-risk areas, with Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama (SMKA) Falahiah and SMKA Lati already designated as temporary exam centers.
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The decision comes as Kelantan prepares for the 2026 SPM cohort, with nearly 30,000 students nationwide at risk from unpredictable weather. Director Siti Norina Muhamad confirmed the department has used similar measures in past years, relocating candidates whose homes or schools face flooding. "We are prepared to act at any time, depending on the prevailing situation," she said.
Flood risks have forced Malaysia’s education system to adapt, with past disruptions requiring relocations in Johor (1,200 candidates in 2022) and Sabah (2021). Kelantan’s rural geography and limited alternative venues may complicate logistics, but the department has not yet identified specific high-risk districts for this year’s intake.
Relocation will target only SPM candidates whose schools or homes are directly affected, with families notified in advance. Transport and accommodation will be arranged by JPN, though the measure does not extend to other public exams like the Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM).
Beyond flood preparations, Kelantan JPN is also addressing drug abuse among students, responding to Police Chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat’s call for stronger efforts. The state’s border status with Thailand has historically fueled narcotics trafficking, with students increasingly at risk. JPN’s response includes mandatory counseling for flagged students and partnerships with NGOs for rehabilitation.
The SPM relocation plan carries limited direct financial impact, as costs are absorbed by JPN’s existing disaster-response budget. However, private exam-prep centers may see indirect benefits if relocated students require additional support. The drug-abuse crackdown could influence school-operating costs, though no specific budget increases have been announced.
Kelantan’s dual focus on flood resilience and drug prevention highlights two recurring challenges for Malaysia’s education system. As climate variability intensifies, exam disruptions will likely persist, prompting calls for national-level contingency planning. Meanwhile, the success of drug-prevention efforts depends on sustained police-school collaboration, with no additional funding or policy shifts announced.
Related: Kelantan Education Department (JPN) · Siti Norina Muhamad · Kota Bharu