JOHOR BARU: The postponement of the Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran Malaysia (STPM) 2020 examinations from November 2020 to April 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic has led to much fatigue and restlessness among Form 6 students.
The students may have had extra time to revise, but some of them had procrastinated focusing on studies due to the long delay.
A Form 6 teacher who preferred not to be named, said many students lamented they could not focus on their studies when schools were closed.
The educator said many students were also worried about their future as the postponement had resulted in a setback to their plans to find a job and save up for their future studies.
The teacher felt that the exam disruption, uncertain Covid-19 circumstances and limited work opportunities are all issues that weighed heavily on students' minds.
Several students who would be sitting for their STPM examination soon said they want to be done with it after much deferment.
Preem Saravanabavan from SMK Skudai said he wishes to finish his examinations soon.
"Despite not being fully prepared, I prefer to sit for the exam and be done with it," he said.
Saravanabavan, 20, prefers face-to-face learning to online learning methods.
He said he prefers the former method as he is able to interact with classmates and teachers should he feel the need for clarifications.
His classmate Nurul Eilya Natasya Ramli, also 20, said that despite not being able to attend classes, she has prepared physically and mentally to sit for the impending STPM exam.
"I hope the Education Ministry will not postpone the exam yet again as much time have been wasted already," Nurul Eilya said.
Chai Ching Sheng, a Sixth Former from SMK Aminuddin Baki, made sure he was well prepared for the exam.
"This time I believe the exams will proceed on the specified dates and hopefully there is no more postponement," Chai said.
The 21-year old is hopeful that he was well prepared for the exam and is ready to enter the examination hall soon.
With this Chinese New Year break, it's an added bonus for him as he is able to further revise before sitting for the examination.
Chai's contemporary Nurul Syazuana Ahmad Redha said she used the holidays to do her revision and study online with her classmates.
She said delaying the exams again will only create more confusion among students.
"I have come well-prepared and want to finish the exams once for all", she said.
Nurul Syazuana pointed out that doing her Form 6 was no easy task as it was an uphill battle for her but she is taking things in her stride.
Another student from SMK Aminuddin Baki, Navein S.D. Ragunathan, said the holidays were the best time for him to prepare for his STPM exams.
The 19-year-old stressed that as a top student who scored straight As in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination, he intends to give his best shot at the STPM examination.
Leaving no stone unturned, he wants to ensure he scores with flying colours.
"There has been a sharp rise in Covid-19 cases and this worries me as I hope there will not be another postponement," he added.