Psychological impact on SPM students cannot be ignored - Mas Ermieyati

SHAH ALAM – Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) women's wing chief Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin has urged Perikatan Nasional (PN) to submit a memorandum to the Education Ministery advocating for more significant consideration for Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) candidates affected by the recent floods.

Speaking at the seventh Bersatu Annual General Assembly, Mas Ermieyati emphasised the urgency of the matter, noting that the Education Ministry should have adopted a more proactive and empathetic approach in addressing the crisis.

Referring to remarks made by Rantau Panjang MP Datuk Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff who slammed the decision to proceed with the SPM examinations despite the flood crisis, Mas Ermieyati expressed her agreement.

Siti Zailah had also called on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to reconsider and postpone the examinations to a more appropriate date.

“There was no barrier for PN to submit a memorandum to the Education Minister, especially during such a critical time. The ministry should have shown greater concern and foresight, as this situation was foreseeable,” Mas Ermieyati said.

The event was attended by Bersatu Deputy President Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, along with Vice Presidents Datuk Dr Radzi Jidin, Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee, and Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu.

Mas Ermieyati also highlighted that Malaysia’s access to meteorological forecasts should have enabled the ministry to anticipate and prepare for the challenges posed by the floods.

The lawmaker also condemned the lack of clear, detailed, and well-organised standard operating procedures for such situations.

She further expressed concern over schools designated as examination centres being impacted by the floods, making it difficult to relocate students to alternative accommodations.

“This isn’t just a matter of logistics or finding places for the students. The psychological impact on them is significant. How can they concentrate under such circumstances? I deeply empathise with their plight,” she added.

Earlier today, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said SPM candidates affected by the floods would be relocated to hostels or alternative examination centres to ensure they can sit for their exams as scheduled.

In a related matter, Bersatu Armada Chief Muhammad Hilman Idham revealed that nearly 100,000 flood victims in Kelantan had been documented, with more than 284 temporary relief centres (PPS) operational.

He added that conditions in Terengganu and Kedah were also deteriorating rapidly.

Acknowledging the ongoing Bersatu assembly, Hilman stated that members from severely impacted areas, especially Kelantan, were instructed to prioritise flood relief efforts over attending the event.

He announced that Bersatu’s first wave of aid, consisting of essential supplies, had been dispatched to Kelantan to support those in PPS.

Relief efforts were initially focused on northern states, with plans to shift attention to the East Coast once conditions improved.

“We must prioritise the northern regions, where victims urgently need assistance. Once the situation on the East Coast stabilises, we will shift our focus there, including aiding in post-flood cleanup efforts,” he said.

Hilman also disclosed the immediate establishment of an emergency fund among Bersatu members, with plans to extend the initiative to the public.

He encouraged collective efforts to alleviate the hardships faced by flood victims nationwide.