Decision to postpone UPSR depends on IPU reading - Education Minister

Education Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid said any decision to postpone Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR) would depend on the Air Pollutant Index (API) readings.

Mahdzir said for now, the reports from the Meteorological Department stated that the situation is under control and that the examinations can be carried out as usual.

“We hope the situation would improve in the next few days,” Mahdzir said when met while visiting pupils of SK Precint 8 (1) at Putrajaya today.

He also encouraged schools to provide face masks for the pupils

A total of 455,929 pupils are sitting for UPSR examinations which begins today.

Meanwhile, Mahdzir said all procedures on UPSR exam papers management have been tightened to avoid any leaks.

“All the usual steps are taken with tighter security this time,” he said.

Last year's fiasco on UPSR examination paper leaks left the country shell-shocked with the Malaysian Examinations Syndicate director Dr Na'imah Ishak and her deputy Dr Wan Ilias Wan Salleh suspended with immediate effect.

The duo have since been cleared of any wrong-doing but are no longer in their previous portfolios.

Police had also recorded statements from 30 individuals to facilitate investigation on the leak in the exam papers.