Authorities have found four “hotspots” and zeroed in on several individuals in the investigation of leaks in the Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah(UPSR), said Second Education Minister Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh.
The authorities comprise representatives from the Education Ministry, the police and Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
Speaking at a press conference at the Examinations Syndicate, Idris said the teams turun padang on Thursday.
However, he declined on Friday to reveal which states the hotspots were in, saying it was under investigation.
"These traitors have caused inconvenience to over 470,000 pupils and almost one million parents.
"I am sad because of the actions of these irresponsible individuals," he said.
Idris said the traitors would face the maximum possible penalty and this could include under the Official Secrets Act.
He said no other papers in the UPSR have been cancelled.
He urged parents not to listen to rumours and to check the ministry's websitewww.mow.gov.my/lpfor for the latest information.
They could also call the UPSR hotline at 03-8889 3601/3551/3809/3520/3030.
A total of 473,175 pupils sat for the UPSR which started on Tuesday and was to have ended on Thursday.
Idris announced on Thursday that pupils would have to re-take English Paper 1 and English Paper 2 on Sept 30 due to a leak in the questions as they were completing their papers.
Vernacular school pupils, however, were not affected as they sit for different English papers.
He said on Thursday that an independent committee would be set up to improve security measures.
The aim of the committee, he added, would be to ensure such leaks were not repeated and would comprise “high profile” members.
Idris also apologised to all the parents and pupils involved - The Star online