ALOR SETAR: A 12-year-old who is sitting for his UPSR exam has been given permission to use “ultra large” papers due to failing vision.

Kedah Education Department director Mansor Lat said the Malaysia Examinations Board had allowed K. Rigneshak to use 109cm x 79cm paper sheets for written answers and 55cm x 75cm papers for objective tests.

“All the questions will be read to him by the examination supervisor and he will answer the questions using a black marker pen on paper that is commonly used in mahjong,” he said after meeting Rigneshak yesterday.

K. Kaneshan said he was proud that his son still wanted to study and sit for the exams despite his poor vision.

“I helped by preparing notes in large fonts so that it would be easier for him to read,” he said.

Rigneshak was first diagnosed with vision problems at age eight, and his condition worsened over the years.

Kaneshan said doctors confirmed in May that Rigneshak was suffering from Accommodative Spasm.

Rigneshak was among 109 special needs candidates sitting for the UPSR. Fourteen are taking the three-day exam in hospitals.

Overall, 36,689 pupils are taking the exam in 573 centres in the state.

-THE STAR