BY NOOR SYAHHIRA HADY & NURIN YUSRINA
KUCHING: Major public examination students in Sarawak are generally receptive to the proposal that they be prioritised for vaccination as announced by National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme Coordinating Minister Khairy Jamaluddin.
They are telling Khairy and the Education Ministry: Bring it on!
The minister said on Friday (June 18) that the initiative from next month was for candidates sitting for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) and Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) this year and that they would be vaccinated with the Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine
“We are trying to get their vaccinations done in July and complete the process (second dose) by August. The Education Ministry plans to send the students back to school by the end of July or August,” Khairy said.
Majority of the candidates whom New Sarawak Tribune spoke to are looking forward to the vaccination programme to start soon as they felt physical classes were much more effective than online learning.
ALVIN SMITH, 17
I think it’s great news for the 2021 SPM candidates since online learning is not as effective as physical classes. Learning in a conducive environment is pivotal; and that’s what school is. I am sure most of the 2021 candidates are up for the jab, mainly because it is for their own health. I am totally looking forward to getting myself vaccinated!
EMILY RAMIE, 17
I do think the government is making the right move here. Not having any physical classes both with our peers and teachers has been an ordeal. Plus, I am sure most students are up for the vaccination, even though there might be some who are hesitant to do so. I personally have no objections to taking the vaccine because I firmly believe that it’s for everyone’s benefit.
DANIA IZZATI BAKERI, 17
The announcement made by KJ is great news considering the top priority of vaccine recipients will be candidates of major examination like myself. I believe that generally, most of the candidates are on board with the vaccination. I am looking forward to being vaccinated so that I will be able to learn in school again!’
DALILA DAYANA YUSDI, 18
I think it’s a great idea to give us the jabs; I am very relieved by the decision, as I find online learning to be ineffective. I am confident that other candidates will agree that getting vaccinated is a good idea because it means we’ll be able to return to school sooner and will be better protected from the illness. I am also looking forward to getting my vaccine.
MOHAMED DZUR KAEF SHAH MINAN, 17
I think it’s a fantastic idea for the government to assist in giving us the vaccine. We are eager to get vaccinated because the vaccine ensures that we are fully protected against the virus. Personally, I am looking forward to getting vaccinated because I still believe physical classes are more beneficial in helping me prepare for my upcoming exam.
DZIA AMIRA YASMIN HELMY, 17
I think it is excellent that students are finally getting their chance to get vaccinated. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have been given first priority for vaccination as a candidate for SPM 2021. I am sure others feel the same way too. I am really happy to be hearing this news and I hope that everyone will work together to make it a success.
