GEORGE TOWN: After managing to adapt to online learning during the Covid-19 pandemic and having to overcome distractions, M. Kavesree is determined to do well in SPM.

       The 18-year-old is aiming for straight As in 11 subjects, including Tamil and Tamil Literature.

       “It’s rather difficult to cope with the examination as there were a lot of distractions due to the pandemic. Luckily, I got used to online learning which is quite a new experience for me.

       “I feel safe coming to school for the examination after being fully vaccinated.

       “I believe we’ll be okay as long as we strictly follow the standard operating procedure (SOP),” she said.

       Another student, Muqri Idlan Yusuf, 18, said he was well-prepared for his SPM amid the new normal.

       “I am well-prepared and confident for the first paper which is Bahasa Melayu.

       “Online learning was something new to me and thankfully, my teachers were very helpful,” he said when met at SMK Bukit Jambul yesterday.

       Private candidate Ivan Teh Yu Heng, 18, is sitting for two major examinations – SPM, which will run until March 29, and the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) at the end of this year.

       “Although it would be quite stressful, I’ll try my best to excel in both exams,” said Yu Heng, who is taking six subjects for SPM.

       There are 20,051 candidates sitting for SPM at 150 centres in Penang.

       State Education director Abdul Rashid Abdul Samad said there were also candidates from private, boarding and religious schools.

       “For local schools, there are 18,427 candidates. This year, we have 123 candidates with disabilities.

       “Over 2,000 officers will be involved throughout the exam period. Candidates will be placed in a transit room before entering the examination hall,” he told a press conference at SMK Bukit Jambul.

       Abdul Rashid said 15 hospitals in Penang were also on standby.

       “We have a student who is taking the exam in a hospital. There are 137 candidates who are under quarantine, 98 of whom are Covid-19 positive while 39 others are close contacts.

       “These students will be sitting for the second session at a date to be announced later,” he said.