| Universiti Putra Malaysia

“I’m in a dilemma to return home...”

By: Noor Eszereen Juferi

 

SERDANG, May 2 – Muhammad Murshid Mohamad Shukri, student of Bachelor of Horticultural Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) feels divided to return to his hometown for fear of not being able to attend classes online due to slow internet connection in his hometown.

Originally from Manjung, Perak, he said he was happy to return to his hometown though he was supposed to return before the Movement Control Order (MCO) on March 18.

"In early March I had a project assignment, and so I decided to go home a little late even though the semester break has started," he said.

 

Throughout the MCO period at UPM, he used his time to revise for the tests assigned by the lecturers as well as to meet new friends around the residential block of the Tun Perak College (SUKSIS Corps), UPM.

"Most of the lecturers are still conducting ongoing tests virtually, and I have a test next week, so I need to complete assignments and take this opportunity to do revision and also participate in activities organised by UPM," he said.

 

He added that the MCO period in UPM campus had directly allowed him to strengthen his friendship with college seniors, and he was also pleased with the university’s concerns for student welfare as well as the provision of sufficient food.

Muhammad Murshid said he would undergo quarantine with his family as a precaution.

 

He also added that for UPM students who cannot return home because their family homes are in red zones, he hopes these students will not feel stressed because this is for their good.

"If you miss your family, you can make a phone call or a video call to your family and avoid isolating yourself in the room for too long. You should go out once in a while to take a breather around the residential college, and if you need help inform the college fellows, and they will try their best to help," he said.

His father, Mohamad Shukri Ismail, said he was grateful to UPM and MOHE for trying to bring his son back to his hometown safely.

"I admit that I was worried about my son's safety on campus during the MCO announcement on March 18, but now I felt relief that my son is allowed to return home, and I thank the university for ensuring the welfare of the students are well taken care of," he said. – UPM   

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