The use of airtight question paper packaging is among the latest applications taken by the Education Ministry effective this year to prevent the recurrence of leaked examination questions.

Education director-general Datuk Seri Dr Khair Mohamed Yusof said if any tampering was detected, the control centre in Putrajaya would trace the location, centre and types of packages involved.

"Since the question paper packaging is air resistant, if it is slightly opened, we have a control centre in Putrajaya that can trace where the tampering occurs," he said.

He told reporters this after inspecting the Ujian Penilaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR) examination in Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Tamil Bharati here today with state Education director Datin Azuyah Hassan and state Education Committee chairman Datuk Tajul Urus Mat Zain.

Previously he said the procedure involved in opening the question papers required the pupils to be present but now only the teachers on duty at the school concerned were required to ensure the packages were opened properly.

Dr Khair said 455,929 candidates are sitting for the UPSR this year, comprising 446,511 from government schools and 9,418 from private schools as well as 49,655 personnel.

In Kedah, 33,780 candidates are sitting for UPSR, involving 571 examination centres and 3,003 personnel.

He said seven pupils from Kota Setar had to take their examination in the hospitals with special staff sent to these hospitals to ensure it run smoothly while one disabled pupil sat for the examination in Sekolah Kebangsaan Suka Menanti, Alor Setar.

Meanwhile in Langkawi, Langkawi District Education Officer Marzuki Daud said 160 out of the total 1,843 candidates here were targeted to obtain 5A results from 83 candidates in last year's examination.

This was based on all the schools being monitored in Langkawai, he said.