KUALA LUMPUR: The re-implementation of the Movement Control Order (MCO) has come as no surprise to students, who believed that it was just a matter of time given the rising number of cases.
While not exactly elated by the return of the MCO, they nevertheless believe that it was the only logical move to break the Covid-19 transmission chain.
Like many other students, Muhamad Luqmanul Hakim Abd Latif, who is pursuing his Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery at University of Cyberjaya, had been studying via online distance learning since the first MCO came into force in March last year.
The 23-year-old from Taman Keramat, Selangor, had mixed feelings over the MCO,
"On one hand, I've gotten used to staying at home, spending time with my family and feeling quite unmotivated," he said.
"On the other hand, I just want to go to the hospitals, study with my friends and to finish my final year."
Luqman also noted that his academic calendar had been brought forward several times, which could lead to the postponement of his final exam.
"For our final year, also called the 'clinical year', we should be in the hospital for most of the time to fully prepare us for the housemanship programme.
"But since the start of this semester until now, I've only been able to go to the hospital for two weeks.
"Unfortunately, this is the best that can be offered for us as they don't want to risk students becoming exposed to Covid-19 patients. Therefore, most of the teaching done now is through online classes," added Luqman.
He said that the loss of study-life balance, preparing for the final exam and the lack of a fixed timetable had taken a huge toll on him.
"Honestly, I have not been taking it very well mentally. One of my lecturers also said that it's not uncommon and some other students also have difficulty coping with the current situation."
Nisa Syahirah Nor Azizan, 23, from Kampung Baru here, said she was expecting the lockdown as the number of Covid-19 cases were becoming alarming.
Nisa, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Mass Communication (Hons) in Public Relations, said her housing area was a red zone.
"To me, any red zone is frightening because even a random person next to us on the street could be infected with the virus.
"In terms of the conditions stated by our prime minister, I think the rules and conditions are clear and straightforward."
Nisa said she was resigned to the fact that she won't be able to attend face-to-face classes anytime soon.
"I'm in my final year and I have about two to three weeks left until I finish this semester.
"I have been attending online classes for almost a year, but I am still adapting to it because sometimes it is hard to communicate virtually with the lecturer and classmates to discuss assignments," she added.