Johor Islamic school exams to proceed despite haze-related closures

JOHOR BARU: Several examinations and final-year tests under the Johor State Islamic Religious Department (JAINJ) will proceed as scheduled, despite the five-day extension of school closures across the state starting tomorrow due to the haze.

State Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Mohd Fared Mohd Khalid said the Examinations Board of JAINJ's Islamic Education Division has set the final-year examinations for Level 1 pupils (Years One to Three) in Johor government religious schools to take place from tomorrow until Friday.

"Also proceeding as scheduled is the Sijil Menengah Agama (SMA) examination during the same period, as well as the Lughah Arabiah Muasirah (LAM) subject for the Sijil Menengah Rendah Agama (SMRA) examination at the Batu Pahat Religious High School on Tuesday," he said in a statement today.

Meanwhile, Fared said the Quranic oral assessment for the KAFA Class Assessment Test (UPKK) involving Year Five pupils has been extended until Wednesday, in line with approval from the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim).

"Meanwhile, the Quranic oral and memorisation assessments for the final-year examinations for Level 1 and 2 pupils (Primary One to Five) have been extended until Nov 5," he said.

To ensure candidate safety, Fared said JAINJ has made it mandatory for all students taking examinations to wear face masks at all times.

"Candidates are required to attend school only on their examination days and must return home immediately after completing their papers.

"Pupils not involved in examinations do not need to attend school and will undergo Home-Based Teaching and Learning (PdPR)," he said.

Yesterday, state Education and Information Committee chairman Dr Muhammad Naqib Md Ghazali announced a five-day extension of the closure of all schools and educational institutions in Johor following concerning Air Pollutant Index (API) readings.