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Thursday, July 4, 2024

Remember, Covid-19 is still around


 GEORGE TOWN: With the recent surge in Covid-19 cases, Malaysians have been advised to stay vigilant and take all precautionary measures to contain the spread of the virus.

Penang health committee chairman Daniel Gooi said despite the uptrend in cases since the end of last year due to the holidays, the situation was still under control.

“People should wear face masks in crowded areas and wash their hands regularly. These are basic precautionary measures that we should adopt. We must also closely monitor the health of all our family members,” he added.

Gooi said there were no plans to implement extra measures during the long weekend despite the potential increase of domestic tourists arriving in Penang this week. 

There were 47 new cases reported in Penang on June 28 with active cases at 312 as of June 29. Out of this, 305 people were placed under home quarantine with seven being hospitalised.

Penang Hospital infectious disease unit head Datuk Dr Chow Ting Soo shared four important steps to keep Covid-19 at bay.

“In view of the waning immunity post-vaccine, the elderly and high-risk group should continue to wear masks, regularly sanitise their hands and avoid closed-space gatherings as much as possible.

“Secondly, this group should get tested immediately if they show Covid-19 symptoms, and get the antiviral as soon as possible.

“Thirdly, family members of the patients should also take a test and self-isolate if unwell to prevent the spread of the disease.

“Lastly, home isolation is still necessary, as well as wearing face masks for one week. If you need to go out, wear a face mask in public if you have cough or flu symptoms. Consult a doctor if your condition worsens,” she said.Dr Chow said these four steps also applied to food handlers and workers at restaurants.

Meanwhile, hawkers at the Paya Terubong market food court said they have been wearing masks since the early days of the pandemic until now.

“I also regularly use sanitiser and always wear a face mask when preparing food for my customers,” said sar hor fun seller Janice Cheah, 52.

Roti canai seller Karim Bukhari, 45, said he wears a face mask once he starts preparing the food.

“I come in direct contact with the dough, so hygiene is important. I want my customers to feel comfortable eating at my stall,” he added.

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Wednesday, July 3, 2024

Quota system to public university admissions should be abolished to raise the overall quality of education for Malaysia

the quota system remains in the matriculation colleges with a 90% quota for Malays,  5.5% for Chinese, 3.5% for Indians and 1% for others.while certain foundation courses are exclusively for Malays, with critics arguing that it is a discrimination. 

Admission quota to public university admissions should be abolished 

Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) central youth publicity and secretary Kelvin Hii, suggested abolishing admissions quotas for all public universities, instead of just allowing SPM top scorers who score 10 ‘A’s to enter the matriculation program.

This move aims to achieve equal education by allowing all Malaysian students with excellent grades to enrol directly in local universities, said Kelvin.


“Now that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim shows sincerity in wanting to abolish the rigid quota system in matriculation courses, we hope that he can abolish all entry and scholarship quotas to achieve genuine equality in education,” he said.

He said all Malaysian students should have the opportunity to enter local public universities based on outstanding academic performance.

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He added that performance transcends racial boundaries, and by keeping these talents within the country for their education, we can genuinely propel the nation’s progress.


“In Sarawak, Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Openg has introduced policies for free education and the establishment of international schools. 

“These policies emphasise the absence of quotas, allowing all Sarawakians, regardless of race or economic background, to enter their preferred schools as long as they meet the academic standards,” he added, reported United Daily News.


He emphasised that abolishing quotas is not only beneficial for individual students but also contributes to enhancing the overall quality and competitiveness of the country’s education system.


It creates a more equitable and inclusive educational environment where all students can earn opportunities based on their efforts and achievements, rather than being limited by race or other factors, he said.


This initiative is poised to have a profound positive impact on Malaysia’s education system, Kelvin

 added.


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