The challenges of preparing for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examinations at a temporary evacuation centre (PPS) amid floods in the Hilir Perak district have been distressing for candidates, who are struggling to concentrate on their studies in the crowded environment.
Muhamad Alif Danish Abdul Rahim, 17, is hoping the flood situation will improve soon so that he can resume his final examination preparations in the comfort of his home in Kampung Batu 8, Jalan Changkat Jong.
He said the environment at the Teluk Intan Municipal Council (MPTI) Hall in Langkap, which is currently serving as a PPS, poses challenges to his revision ahead of the examinations, scheduled to begin on Nov 23.
“At home, it is much more comfortable, and I can concentrate on studying for an hour or two each day. Here at the PPS, it is quite crowded and noisy, making it difficult to focus, but I am doing my best.
“I am also grateful that my teachers have provided and shared important notes online, making it easier for me to continue studying here,” said the student of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Abdul Rahman Talib when met by Bernama at the MPTI Langkap PPS today.
The youngest of five siblings said he was not setting overly ambitious targets but hoped to give his best in the examinations to enable him to pursue further studies in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
“I am taking seven SPM subjects and hope to obtain good results in all of them. I want to pass and further my studies in TVET, which has long been my ambition,” he said.
Meanwhile, his mother, Jamilah Abdul Syukor, 49, said Muhamad Alif might face a situation similar to that experienced by her fourth child, a daughter, who sat for her SPM examinations while the family was sheltering at the same PPS last year.
“If the floodwaters do not recede within the next two weeks, Muhamad Alif will have to study and revise at this evacuation centre throughout his examination period,” she said.
The mother of five described the current flooding as among the worst the family had experienced since moving to the village 17 years ago.
She said floodwaters began entering the residential area around 10 am last Friday and rose rapidly to knee level within hours, forcing the family to evacuate for safety.
“I was at home with my husband and five children when it happened. When we realised the water was rising rapidly, we immediately packed our belongings and moved our valuables to a higher, safer place.
“Only then did we contact the Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) for assistance. We were subsequently evacuated and brought to this PPS at about 1.30 pm,” she said.
As of 8 am today, the number of flood evacuees in Perak had increased to 380 people from 108 families, compared with 348 people from 99 families yesterday evening.
The State Disaster Management Committee (JPBN) secretariat reported that in the Hilir Perak district, the number of evacuees at the Teluk Intan Municipal Council (MPTI) Rest House Hall PPS had risen to 257 people from 73 families.
The increase followed another rise in water levels in residential areas after continuous rain yesterday evening.
