The Status of Sri Lankan Students in Malaysia
The Malaysia movement control order (MCO) started on the 18th of march, forcing all non-essential facilities and business to cease operations for the time being.
The MCO is in effect till the 14th of April but will most likely be extended further due the amount of Covid-19 cases rising sharply in Malaysia, these things are to be expected.
Most university students have been moving on with their studies via online lecturers and tutorials. Most of my units have no exams and have been converted to mostly individual assessments.
It is worth mentioning that this isn’t going to be any easier, I’ve found that my motivation and that if those around me are on the low end of the spectrum, all facilities that encourage you to study or seek knowledge are closed. Libraries, lounges, even the laundromat where you could catch up on lectures has removed all of its tables and chairs.
This is not to say that anyone is at fault. These are the protocols that we are to follow for the betterment of everyone. This is also not to say that Monash university Malaysia (the university of which I am currently enrolled in) hasn’t made efforts to help either.
Student aid on offer
They have offered aid for students in dire need, those who have faced financial hardship as a result of the deadly outbreak.
It remains uncertain how the semester may turn out, but for now, all students need only to attend online tutorials and lecturers regardless of the state of the outbreak, meaning this will stay in affect even if face to face lectures resume.
Hoping for a
better tomorrow
It is a bit daunting, to see limited faces, to be new to a country only to be confined to limited resources. But it is what’s needed for the country as a while to progress and heal from the pandemic.
One can only hope things get better and soon.
- Ahamed Abdullah Firdousi
Undergraduate at Monash University Malayalam