By Chin Jing Aun
GEORGE TOWN: The second wave of Covid-19 which hit Malaysia has forced the government to extend the Movement Control Order (MCO) to 28 April, 2020. According to our Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, while Malaysia’s efforts in battling the spread of Covid-19 are proving to be fruitful, the extension of the MCO is a necessary measure to flatten the curve and eventually reduce the number of infections.
What do the students of Han Chiang University College of Communication (HCUC) have to say about the MCO and Covid-19?
Social distancing is about taking care of each other
Janice Lee Tze Fon, a HCUC Year 1 Student taking Diploma in Mass Communication has learnt that social distancing is important when it comes to preventing the spread of a contagious disease, and practicing it continuously is a recommended practice.
She believes that steps taken by our government to manage the spread of the virus are commendable.
“It is definitely a challenging situation for people to stay home at all times, but the action taken by the government is designed to protect Malaysians, an effort that should be appreciated,” she said.
Initially, she thought that the practice of social distancing was slightly disrespectful, but she has learnt to appreciate the positive impact of maintaining the established one-metre distancing.
She believes that the food supplies for everyone will be sufficient if people buy only what they need.
“We are fighting the spread of the coronavirus to chart a course of action for a better future. We are not fighting with each other, but rather, fighting the disease together,” said Janice.
Due to the MCO, she was forced to cancel a trip to Bali with her best friends. It was a great pity because they had been planning the trip for almost a year.
However, she has made quite an improvement in her drawing skills, and her command of foreign languages is now excellent as she has had plenty of time to focus on honing her various talents. She can speak in German and Korean.
Plan for the future
Lee Yuan Run, a Year 1 HCUC student who is currently taking a Diploma in Mass Communication said that we must always treasure the present moment. Activities that we often take for granted are now prohibited during the MCO period.
He has had more time to think about himself and his future. He also agrees with the government’s action to extend the MCO because this will protect all citizens and reduce the spread of Covid-19.
“We must always appreciate the time we spend with our family members. We must not be selfish and we should obey the rules created by the government.” said Lee.
Joan Chong Eileen, a Year 2 HCUC student who is taking a Diploma in Mass Communication and majoring in Broadcasting, has been using her time wisely to improve on her cooking skills.
“I have more time to spend with my family members, and I have more time to complete the things that I have always wanted to do,” Joan said.
Besides, she conveys her gratitude to everyone who is abiding by the rules of the MCO, and to all frontliners who are fighting the spread of Covid-19. “We must also take good care of ourselves and stay united as we fight the spread of the virus.”
Cooperate with the government and our frontliners
Jayden Tan Jing Lin, a Year 2 HCUC student taking Diploma in Mass Communication and majoring in Public Relations, said that he spends time reading books and this helps him to gain new knowledge. He also tries his hand at graphic design to express his creativity.
He wants to advise all citizens to stay at home during the MCO, because he feels that everyone should not create problems for the government and for frontliners fighting to curb the spread of Covid-19.
Wong Li Mei, a Year 1 HCUC student taking Diploma in Mass Communication, said that she enjoys eating. However, during the MCO, she is unable to visit lovely eateries because she needs to stay at home.
Yet, she is happy that there is more time to spend with her family members, and she can experiment with new dishes as she cooks with them.
She wants to give a thumbs up to the government and thanks all frontliners who are fighting to curb the spread of Covid-19.
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