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CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS

International Seminar on Student Housing and

Development (ISHAD 2021)

New Norms of Student’s Development & Well-being: Sustainability of Student’s Residential Management

A Virtual Conference • 08 - 09 September 2021

i

COPYRIGHT

Copyright © 2021 Student Affairs Department, Universiti Utara Malaysia

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or

transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other

electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher,

except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other

non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, you may

write to the publisher as addressed below:

Student Affairs Department

Universiti Utara Malaysia

Perpustakaan Negara Malaysia

ii

TABLE OF CONTENT

Copyright

i

Preface

v

Acknowledgement

xiv

ISOLATION OPERATI ON CENTER: PROCEDURES AND CHALLENGES DURING COVID- 19 PANDEMIC AT BANK RAKYAT STUDENTS RESIDENTIAL HALL Nor Azura A Rahman, Mohamad Ghozali Hassan, Mughaneswari Sahadevan

1

ISOLATION CENTER: CHALLENGES AND EXPERIENCES FROM STUDENTS’ PERSPECTIVES Nur Afifah Binti Mohammed Kamal

12

“SING IN SILENCE”: THE USEFULNESS OF A SIGN LANGUAGE PROGRAMME FOR FRESH GRADUATES Muhammad Amir Syafik Mohd Taufik, Ahmad Subhi Zolkafly, Nur Izzati Liyana Azizan

24

KEBERKESANAN PENGANJURAN PROGRAM KEAGAMAAN SECARA ATAS TALIAN TERHADAP PELAJAR UNIVERSITI UTARA MALAYSIA, KAJIAN KES: INAPAN SISWA BANK RAKYAT, UNIVERSITI UTARA MALAYSIA, SINTOK Nor Amelia Deeana Binti Norsham, Mohamad Shahrul Farhan Bin Mohd Dim, Muhammad Nur Ramadhan Bin Tajul Hasnan

31

CABARAN PERTANDINGAN PESTA PANTUN VIRTUAL: KAJIAN KES DI INAPAN SISWA UNIVERSITI UTARA MALAYSIA Farrah Diba Mohd Fadzli, Ahmad Subhi Zolkafly & Nur Izzati Liyana Azizan

40

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CALMING WEEKS ON MENTAL HEALTH AMONG UNIVERSITI UTARA MALAYSIA STUDENTS DURING PANDEMIC COVID-19

Soo Zhi Xin, Nur Izzati Liyana Binti Azizan, Ahmad Subhi Bin Zolkafly

48

PENGURUSAN PELAJAR DI KOLEJ KEDIAMAN UTHM KAMPUS PAGOH SEPANJANG FASA PERTAMA PERINTAH KAWALAN PERGERAKAN (PKP) Shaiful Fadzil Zainal Abidin, Izuan Amin Ishak, Dalila Mohd Harun, Khairu Kamarudin & Md Norrizam Mohmat Ja‘at

65

LEVERAGING TECHNOLOGY, CULTIVATING SKILLS: TRAVERSE STUDENT WELLNESS Nur Izzati Jalal Ludin, Muhd Saniy Samsudin, Disnawatie Ibrahim, Masturah Rosli, Nur Hawariah Liyana Lukman & Rohani Abdullah

81

iii

PENGENDALIAN DAN PENGURUSAN PELAJAR DI KOLEJ KEDIAMAN PAGOH SEPANJANG TEMPOH PERINTAH KAWALAN PERGERAKAN (PKP) 2020 Muhammad Hanafi Bin Asril Rajo Mantari, Wan Noor Afifah Binti Wan Ahmad, Mohd Faisal Bin Hushim, Muhammad A'imullah Bin Abdullah & Muhammad Qusyairi Bin Abdul Rahman

93

NURTURING SKILLS, BRIDGING EMPLOYABILITY: THE NEED FOR SPIRITUALITY AND PSYCHOLOGY AS DUO ELEMENTS Siti Nor Hafiza binti Abdul Samad, Muhammad Shuib bin Rosli & Amirul Haqeem bin Abd. Ghani

105

SOCIAL MEDIA AS A TOOL TO DISSEMINATE INFORMATION AMONG STUDENTS IN RESIDENTIAL COLLEGE OF UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA TERENGGANU (UMT) Mohamad Safuan Azhar, Siti Syazwani Azmi, Nik Aziz Nik Ali, Ahmad Fadhli Hamzah & Engku Nurul Aima Tengku Amri

113

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF STUDENT’S RESIDENTIAL MANAGEMENT’S INFORMATION SYSTEM AMONG YMU STUDENTS DURING PANDEMIC COVID-19 Nurul Aqidah Hizmah binti Mohd Hassan, Abdul Haziq bin Abd Kongid, Ng Lim Soon, Norhuda Aqilah binti Zainal, Jafni A. Ibrahim, Azhar Anis Mohammad & Mohd. Farhan Ismail

128

THE MANAGEMENT EFFECTIVENESS OF YAYASAN ALBUKHARY AND BANK MUAMALAT STUDENT RESIDENTIAL HALL (YMU) DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC MOVEMENT CONTROL ORDER Muhammad Farhan Bin Abu Hassan, Nur Ain Adilah Binti Abu Hari, Nur Syazwany Binti Sanny, Nur Fakhira Amani Binti Abd Ghani, Jafni A. Ibrahim, Azhar Anis Mohammad & Mohd. Farhan Ismail

150

COMFORTABILITY OF STUDENTS IN YAYASAN ALBUKHARY AND BANK MUAMALAT STUDENT RESIDENTIAL HALL (YMU) FOR ENSURES THEIR PSYCHOLOGICAL HEALTH Mohammad Syamil Zufairi Bin Omar, Nurul Nadiah Binti Nizar, Siti Naqiah Binti Abdull Kher, Muhammad Alief Aidiel Bin Abdul Shukor, Jafni A. Ibrahim, Azhar Anis Mohammad & Mohd. Farhan Ismail

165

STUDENT'S LEVEL OF SATISFACTION ON AMENITIES IN THE RESIDENTIAL COLLEGE, UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA TERENGGANU Nur Atiqah Maznan, Nirwani Devi Miniandi, Nur Amira Adam, Nik Aziz Nik Ali & Hazniyati Binti Hassan

173

PENGURUSAN PENGINAPAN ISOLASI PELAJAR BERGEJALA DI KOLEJ KEDIAMAN LUAR KAMPUS: AMALAN UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA TERENGGANU (UMT) Muhammad Ashraff Aiman Bin Roslan, Nik Aziz Bin Nik Ali, Rohaida Binti Haji Awang, Noorhafiza Hasni Binti Ab Manaf & Shazmirshah Bin Samsuddin

186

iv

THE LEVEL OF MENTAL HEALTH AMONG STUDENTS IN RESIDENTIAL COLLEGE OF THE UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA TERENGGANU Nur Hidayah Mohd Basir, Elfina Azwar, Md Khairul Azwan Md Razali, Karthi Suresh, Engku Nurul Aima Tengku Amri & Nik Aziz Nik Ali

201

GELEMBUNG HIJAU DALAM MENGAWAL PENULARAN COVID-19 DI UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA TERENGGANU Rohaida Awang, Riswadi Azmi, Nik Aziz bin Nik Ali, Engku Nurul Aima Tengku Amri, Siti Rabiatul Adawiyah Mohd Zin & Muhamad Hafiz Abd. Kadir

213

PENGAJARAN DAN PEMBELAJARAN (PdP) KETIKA PANDEMIK; PROSEDUR OPERASI STANDARD (SOP) UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA TERENGGANU Rohaida Awang, Riswadi Azmi, Nik Aziz Nik Ali, Wan Nusrahizwah Wan Awang, Ahmad Fadhli Hamzah & Nur Akmal Hakim binti Eya

230

DATA ON RESIDENTIAL COLLEGE: A CATALYST FOR STRATEGIC HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT Mohd Fadli Hussin, Radiah Ali, Muhammad Farhan Ahmad, Rohaida Awang, Wan Nusrahizwah Wan Awang & Nik Aziz Nik Ali

250

UNIVERSITY NON-RESIDENT STUDENT VOLUNTEERISM IN THE NEW NORMAL PRACTICE M.H. Hanafi, N.H. Radzi, M.R. Ibrahim, M.S. Mustapa, N.A. Hassan & I.S.

265

LEARN FROM EXPERIENCE: STUDENTS’ WELL-BEING AND MANAGEMENT TEAM SUPPORT DURING PANDEMIC COVID-19 AT INAPAN SISWA TM AND GRANTT (TAG) Mohamad Hapisol Othman, Noor Hafiza Zakariya, Mazri Yaakob & Ikhwan Zulkefli

276

CONTESTING THE CHALLENGE OF “GOVERNMENTALITY” IN MANAGING UNIVERSITY PUTRA MALAYSIA (UPM) COLLEGE RESIDENTS IN THE MIDST OF PANDEMIC COVID- 19 Aminuddin Hassan, Wan Munira Binti Wan Jaafar, Amini Amir Abdullah, Nur Husnina Mohamad Yunus & Muhammad Mustaqhim Bin Alias

292

v

SPEECH FROM SECRETARY GENERAL OF MOHE

First and foremost, let us extend our gratitude to Allah for it is because of his grace and

blessings that we have the opportunity to come together on the occasion of The

International Seminar on Student Housing And Development Or ISHAD 2021, jointly

organised by Universiti Utara Malaysia and The Malaysian Universities Housing

Council or MAPUM.

Despite the fact that we are still dealing with the global problem of covid-19, we are

able to meet today through a virtual platform.

Congratulations and well done to the organisers.

The recent change in Malaysia‘s political landscape has seen a new cabinet has been

formed, and to be led by a new prime minister, Yang Amat Berhormat Dato‘ Sri Ismail

Sabri Bin Yaakob. In his maiden speech, the prime minister has introduced a new

mantra to promote unity and empathy through the concept of a Malaysian Family or

―Keluarga Malaysia‖. The Prime Minister has also emphasized three important

principles that need to be uphold by the leaders in carrying out their duty in serving the

people. Firstly, is the need to be sensitive to people's needs, secondly is to be

responsible and trustworthy, and thirdly to restore the confidence of the people.

These principles should also be applied to the higher education sector, as the higher

education institutions are established to fulfill the needs of the country. Hence, the

―Keluarga Malaysia‖ concept introduced by our prime minister should also be

considered when planning the student housing and development. Higher education

institutions need to ensure that the residential colleges and housing for students would

provide an environment that promotes unity. It is important for the higher education

institutions to instill the spirit of ―Keluarga Malaysia‖ among the students.

vi

Therefore, the activities planned in the residential colleges should prepare students to

be more responsible and trustworthy, especially in these trying times.

Higher education is viewed as one of the most important platforms for achieving the

goal of restructuring the country's social and economic patterns and meeting the

demands of society in an inclusive manner in order to build a cohesive and strong

nation. Thus, from 2012, the government has granted autonomous status to higher

education institutions, particularly to public institutions, in order to make them more

independent, efficient, and sustainable in institutional governance, financial

management, and the development and management of student activities.

I understand that the awarding of autonomous status is based on an audit procedure

that employs the instruments of the code of university good governance or ‗CUGG‘ and

the university good governance index or ‗UGGI‘. The ministry of higher education

believes that the grant of this status, which is based on accountability and

transparency, will allow university management to make the best decisions to the best

interest of the students and the management, particularly in the area of student

development in accommodation centers or student residential colleges.

Student residential colleges, sometimes known as student dormitories, have a

significant impact on students' academic progress and overall personality

development. A residential college should not be considered as a mere structure or a

dwelling. However, it must be viewed as an organisation or a place of learning with a

culture and environment. Students from diverse states, with varied dialects, faiths, and

racial backgrounds, live under one roof, influencing them culturally to live with and

socialise with others. When students live at residential colleges, they are exposed to a

variety of cultures, including the culture of academic education, personality

development, effective communication, and the culture of leadership and management.

We are still at war with an enemy that has never been encountered before, and we

must continue to contribute in any way we can to win this war and the most important

way is to help the country to reach herd immunity. Ministry of Higher Education is

always committed in providing continuous support to the policies implemented by the

vii

government to ensure the well-being of the people is preserved. The ministry, together

with the covid-19 immunization task force or ‗CITF‘, had set up a special team to

identify the higher education institutions that could become the vaccination

administration centers or ‗VAC‘. I am happy to share that as of 3rd September 2021,

we have a total of 36 VACs that include public universities; university teaching

hospitals or ‗HPU‘; private institute of higher learning or IPTS; and polytechnics. I am

pleased to be informed that UUM has also set up a VAC. I believe that provision of

these VACs will help to accelerate our effort towards achieving herd immunity under

the national covid-19 immunisation programme.

Apart from providing VAC facilities in higher education institutions, the ministry also

played a role in ensuring the success of the Malaysian volunteer vaccine mobilization

program or MyVac, alongside the ministry of technology and innovation through CITF,

the Ministry of Youth And Sports or KBS, student volunteers foundation or better

known as YSS and the Malaysian Red Crescent Society or PBSM. As of 21st June

2021, a total of 6,353 volunteers had registered in the MyVac system. These

volunteers include students from public universities, private universities, polytechnics

and community colleges. They are responsible in assisting with venue preparation,

logistics, registration of vaccine recipients, temperature screening, and coordinating the

movement of the elderly and disabled to the designated VAC. It is very enlightening

that our higher education institutions are indeed producing students who could function

beyond the classrooms and are able to contribute to our beloved country in many

ways.

One of the realities that we need to face as a result of covid-19 outbreak is the great

reduction on the number of international students coming to further their studies in our

country. In addressing issues on student housing and development in this seminar, we

should also factor in the international students. Although the current situation does not

allow for the students to be in our country, their situations when they do come must be

clearly planned and strategized. It is crucial for us to start preparing for all possibilities.

I believe with the current progress in the vaccination process in majority of the

countries, including ours, it will not be long before we start opening our borders again.

viii

Therefore, universities should start planning on ways to promote higher education in

Malaysia. What could we offer them? How can we make them choose our universities?

One, of course is by offering them good accommodation. But this is not all. Offering

good residential colleges or housing for international students is undeniably essential,

but it is not the only selling point.

It is my believe that to promote our higher education institutions, we need to portray the

authenticity and uniqueness of our country. We should showcase more of our arts and

culture that we preserve even in the midst of modernization, like the Wayang Kulit Sri

Asun, which is well-known in Kedah. Our traditional music such as Gamelan, Ghazal,

Dondang Sayang and musical instruments like Gambus, and Rebana, are also part of

what make us unique. We also have many cultural dance that are exclusive in their

own way, like the Sumazau from the Kadazan-Dusun ethnic groups in Sabah, and Mak

Yong, a traditional Malay opera that integrates singing, dancing, acting, guest singing,

music performance, gagging and other performing arts. It has a history of at least 800

years.

Another important factor that only could be found in Malaysia is our monarchy system.

The country has nine states that are headed by Sultan, Raja and Yang Di-Pertuan

Besar, and every five years or when needed, these Malay rulers will convene to elect

Yang Di-Pertuan Agong among them. This is a unique system that is not practised by

other countries in the world and should also be shared.

These are a few ideas that I feel could be leveraged on by higher education institutions

in the quest to bring in more international students to our higher education institutions,

on top of offering top-notched residential colleges and housing for local, as well as

international students.

With the cooperation from all parties involved, I am optimistic that this seminar will

certainly offer ideas for improvements to the guidelines that will be distributed to

students when they return to their respective residential college later. The rules will

undoubtedly meet the current needs for adapting to new norms, as well as provide a

framework for us to constantly be prepared to face a variety of possibilities. I am also

ix

certain that MAPUM, which has long been formed under the aegis of the office of the

Deputy Vice-Chancellors for student affairs, would coordinate all forms of information

connected to preparedness in deciding practices that satisfy the new standards.

I also believe that this seminar would be extremely beneficial to all parties and serve as

a spark for varied planning and execution of student welfare programmes. To all the

representatives from the various universities in the consortium and all participants,

thank you for committing your time and energy towards the success of this seminar.

It is my sincere hope that all the delegates will have a fruitful and enjoyable experience.

On that positive note and in the name of Allah, the most gracious and most merciful, I

hereby declare the International Seminar on Student Housing and Development 2021

officially open.

Thank you and Wabillahi Taufiq Walhidayah Wassalamualaikum Warahmatullahi

Wabarakatuh

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PREFACE MAPUM PRESIDENT

Alhamdulillah, first and foremost, let us together express our infinite gratitude to Allah

Subhanahuwata‘ala for His grace and blessings given to us all. On this auspicious day

we were also given the opportunity to meet in conjunction with the International

Seminar on Student Housing and Development (ISHAD) 2021.

I would like to thank Yang Berbahagia Datuk Seri Dr Mazlan Yusof, Secretary General

of the Ministry of Higher Education for his presence to officiate the International

Seminar on Student Housing and Development (ISHAD) 2021 this morning.

I would also like to congratulate the organizing committee and all parties who have

worked together to make today's event a success. MAPUM also fully supports the

organization of such programmes which bring benefits in developing students

holistically.

As everyone knows, we have faced various challenges during the past year when the

world was hit by the Covid-19 pandemic. The education system was to some extent

also affected when for the first time teaching and learning was conducted entirely

online. The university management and students together faced the challenges and

managed to adapt until we were all immersed in this new way of life. Quality education

must be maintained even in the context of new norms to ensure that graduates remain

relevant to current market needs and able to face the challenges and increasing

competition, especially in the age of knowledge-based and science and technology-

based economy.

We always hear the expression "Education Begins at Home". This is also the similar on

campus. Student accommodation on campus is not only a place for students to seek

protection and rest, but it can also act as a second home for students who are able to

provide comfort and education in developing students' personality. The experience of

living on campus plays a very important socialization role in the formation of the

character and personality of students.

xi

Accommodation facilities such as accommodation on campus or adequate off -campus

accommodation facilities around the campus is a very important factor because it

affects the readiness of students to come into the realm of study.

Accommodation management teamn needs to be more careful in helping students to

develop their potentials. Furthermore, when dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic,

students spent more time in their respective rooms as teaching and learning were

conducted entirely online. This adversity should be viewed wisely and seen from a

positive point of view, how can we make the best use of this opportunity in developing

proactive and competitive students.

I believe all universities and colleges involved have always taken the welfare of

students seriously especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Students who stay on campus can enjoy various facilities on campus such as Wi-Fi

service, shuttle bus on-campus, cheaper food prices in the cafeteria, facilities for

recreation, worship, association, holding academic and non -academic discussions,

security control and access health facilities services.

The impact of accommodation is considered important because the environment

affects the well -being and health of a student. Student health is not just physical health

but includes mental health which is a hot issue nowadays. Students spend a lot of time

with laptops and cell phones in their rooms while completing assignments online.

Mental health factors need to be considered because they play an important role in the

formation of productive, high -performing individuals and in-turn will determine the

growth of a country.

According to a survey conducted by the American Psychological Association in

America found that as many as 78% of people reported experiencing depression in life

following the Covid-19 outbreak. There are studies in Malaysia that found that physical

imprisonment which has forced an individual to stay at home for a long period of time

and if the atmosphere of the home is not healthy, it will contribute to stress to the

xii

individual. Things like this are the same as students who are likely to feel confined in

their accommodation and this needs to be monitored accordingly by the

accommodation management team.

Accommodation management team needs to be perceptive to the problems that arise

as a result of living the new norms. Various crises need to be addressed such as

emotional stress among students, financial management, student leadership which has

become increasingly difficult to hone, administrative problems involving

accommodation staff and other issues that need to be addressed. We can no longer

adopt 100% of the outdated leadership styles and patterns but we need to be more

creative and innovative in solving problems and come up with new ideas that can help

us move forward.

This is also one of the objectives of this ISHAD which is to provide an opportunity for all

involved to share their ideas and innovations. All those involved also need to follow the

current trend by outlining new guidelines that are in line with the new norms. We are all

like a family that will go through these challenges and tests together. There is no issue

of competition and who is better at managing this pandemic.

Student accommodation is a very important factor that affects the learning process and

cognitive development of students. Good student accommodation including satisfactory

infrastructure and administration is central to the development of human capital and

student discipline in the university education system.

Today's world demands a dynamic and comprehensive transformation in the way of

thinking in the aspect of producing individuals with strong identities, suitable aptitudes,

noble personalities, knowledgeable and highly skilled. Student accommodation is seen

as a center of human development and student discipline in the university education

system to improve the quality of life of students.

At the university level, the emphasis on learning in lectures and outside lectures should

be balanced. Each university should provide sufficient space for students to gain as

much knowledge and experience as they can. Student accommodation is no exception

xiii

as it provides space and opportunities for students to be active in organising activities

in various fields.

This is because in this day and age, students face great challenges. They need to be

prepared with a variety of knowledge to face their future as the new norms are part of

their life nowadays. When organizing online programmes these days, it is difficult for us

to identify the potentials and hone the talents of students but this is our challenge to

always place the academics and personality of students as our priority.

Facilities such as comfortable study space, room capacity, roommates, staff involved,

student involvement in programmes, monitoring and control and other related issues

should be reviewed and assessed in accordance to the new norm. We have to admit,

living with a pandemic has changed our way of life and the way we think.

To conclude, on this occasion, as the Chairman of MAPUM, once again I would like to

congratulate and thank UUM as the host for the organization of ISHAD 2021 where this

time around, a transformation has been instigated - that is to bring ISHAD to the

international level. My sincere thanks to all parties who have worked together to make

this programme a success.

May such noble efforts be continued and further developed in the future. I would also

like to remind all of us to always follow the SOPs set by the government in curbing the

spread of this virus and hopefully this world will become free from the Covid19

pandemic.

Thank you.

xiv

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We would like to thank all Secretariat of ISHAD 2021 and presenters from all colleges

and universities in Malaysia. Our highest appreciation also goes to all the participants

for their participation in our conference. Finally, thanks to our UUM management and

others who directly or indirectly involved in this endeavour.

Thank You.

Editors

Nor Azura A Rahman Siti Rozaina Kamsani Azizi Ab Aziz

1

ISOLATION OPERATION CENTER: PROCEDURES AND CHALLENGES DURING COVID- 19 PANDEMIC AT BANK RAKYAT STUDENTS RESIDENTIAL HALL

Nor Azura A Rahman

Department of Student Affairs UUM

nrazura@uum.edu.my

Mohamad Ghozali Hassan

School of Technology Management and Logistics

ghozali@uum.edu.my

Mughaneswari Sahadevan

Department of Student Affairs UUM mughaneswari.sahadevan@dur.ac.uk

Abstract

This paper aims to document the preparation process, implementation and betterment

made during handling Isolation Centre at the Student Residential Hall Bukit Kachi,

Universiti Utara Malaysia. There were six batches of isolation as of recorded with

different operation management including i) logistics, ii) registration process and iii)

basic needs and iv) isolation regulation compliance, were conducted. The operation

management changed according to the capacity of students registered, Standard

Operation Procedure during pandemic, and flow of transport during registration day

(logistics). Thus, as this was the first isolation centre with proper planning at Universiti

Utara Malaysia, the operation management was amended and the flow for registration

(check-in and check-out) was plain sailing.

Keywords : isolation, pandemic, student accommodation, operation management.

Introduction

In year 2020, people in every corner of the world jittered with new unknown acute

respiratory tract disease which spread rapidly from Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China

since December 2019. On the 12th of January 2020, World Health Organization

(WHO) named the disease as Covid-19 (coronavirus disease) and announced as world

pandemic (World Health Organization, 2020).

2

In Malaysia, the very first case was identified on the 25th of January 2020. The

infection starts from three Chinese national who had close contact with an infected

person in Singapore and they travelled to Malaysia on 24th January 2021. Ministry of

Health (Malaysia) took a quick initiative to devise guidelines for the hospitals, screening

centers and management to ensure the infection under controlled. Besides that, MOH

also instructed 34 hospitals as screening centers and each of them was designated in

each designated state (Kuala Lumpur, Sabah, Sarawak, Johor) (Borneopost, 2020).

Due to the rapid infection rate, the whole world needs to shut down total operations,

country borders, suspend all inter-countries activities as a measurement to contain the

spread. This is because in March 2020, leaders and their associates clueless with the

virus infection and major closures on activities and borders are the best solution they

found at the time. Moreover, government also imposed lock down for two weeks and

people are not allowed to go out unless urgent works. It has created chaotic situation

for everyone especially students who are still at the campus (Star Online, 2020).

Through several phases they had been sent to their home by university management

with enormous support by Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE). MOHE devised and

announced standard operating procedures for all online classes. Therefore, all

campuses need to be closed and staffs were instructed to stay and work from home.

However, the situation never turns to normal till date. Our lifestyle has changed and

depend on online tools to carry out our essential and official work. Internet providers

are receiving overwhelmed demands as classes, meetings, casual chats, formal

conversation are functioning through internet. Yet, there are complaints from students

who living at rural areas where they could not be able to focus on their studies due to

bad internet connectivity and some other circumstances. Their dissatisfaction voice

reached MOHE and MOHE team made an announcement after several discussions

with universities for allowing students back to campus with new standard operating

procedures.

3

This paper, hence, discuss about establishment of Isolation centre at the Students

Residential Hall or also known as Inapan Siswa (INASIS) Universiti Utara Malaysia and

its associated challenges from staffs‘ experiences.

INASIS Bank Rakyat Isolation Center

Initially, INASIS Malaysia Airlines (MAS) was selected as isolation center which operated

from 4th February until 6th March 2020. UUM international students who were

stranded due to border closures were isolated at INASIS MAS for almost two weeks.

The surrounding area was not gated, thus the Security Department was assigned

to make regular supervision. Students were not allowed to roam around the campus.

Therefore, the INASIS management had to arrange for foods and other essential items

in need.

Under certain circumstances and risks, UUM decided that a proper Isolation Center

should be established. After numerous inspections by UUM‘s Risk Office and Health

Center, they suggested Bukit Kachi Residential Halls as Isolation and Quarantine

Center for students who intended to come back to campus. The reason is because the

location of INASIS Bank Rakyat and INASIS SME Bank were secluded from public and

main campus and its spacious area. Therefore, the committee believed it would be a

best option to establish Isolation and Quarantine Centre for low-risk cases at UUM.

On 8th July 2020, Higher Education minister Datuk Dr. Noraini Ahmad made an

announcement said four categories of students can resume to campus (News Straits

Times, 8th July 2020). The four categories included 30% of local students in private

higher education institutions, first to fourth year public university students who need

clinical or practical training which involved laboratory or studio may come back to

campus. The other two categories include again the first- and fourth-year university

students who do not have access to internet or a conducive learning environment at

home. Thus, UUM made early preparation by establishing an Isolation Center at

INASIS Bank Rakyat started from semester A201.

4

The Isolation Center at INASIS Bank Rakyat started in November 2020. During this 1st

phase, students with special needs were allowed to come back and isolate for 10 days

in a single room. Before coming to Isolation Center, students had to go through medical

screening at the UUM Health Center (Pusat Kesihatan Universiti PKU). Students

without any symptom were asked to go to INASIS Bank Rakyat. The registration

process at INASIS Bank Rakyat was simple but with full cautious. Staffs were

reminded to be more careful and always mind the space with students, always wear

gloves and face mask. Students came with their belongings and placed all items at one

place. After showing their Health Declaration Form, students were asked to sign in their

names on paper. Once they received the room key, students picked up their belongings

and directly walk to their rooms (refer Figure 1). As students were not allowed to go out,

the management had to help them to buy food and basic items in need like toothbrush

or soap.

The management was puzzled of this matter but managed to handle with the help from

the Student Accommodation Center (SAC) staffs and Assistant Principals (AP) at

INASIS. SAC had helped to take food order via WhatsApp and make order from foods

UUM‘s cafeteria. Students paid the amount of order at the end of the Isolation process.

In the meantime, students who need basic items such as mineral water, toiletries or

special medication contacted AP on duty at INASIS to request an assistance. AP on

duty entertained their requests with precautious and strictly abide the SOP. All items

were left at one safe place and all payments were made via online banking. After 10

days, students were allowed to transfer into main campus using the university‘s shuttle

bus.

The first round of isolation process became a benchmark for the management team.

INASIS Bank Rakyat management came out with better procedures which helped to

simplify and manage the Isolation Center more effectively. The second phase was

during semester A201 in January 2021. This time, the numbers were increased. Almost

57 students came back until 10th January 2021 (but the number keep increasing until

at the end of January). The students (22 males and 35 females) were a mixture of

Foundation, Master and Golf Course students. Students who came back with COVID-

19 symptoms were directly brought to INASIS SME Bank for quarantine. In case, if any

5

students who were in isolation but caught with symptoms, they were transferred to

INASIS SME Bank and continue to quarantine there. The food and basic items

management were still the same as during the 1st phase of isolation period. Students

ordered the food and basic needs with the SAC and AP on duty at the INASIS.

During the 3rd phase, the standard operation procedures were upgraded. Some

changes were made due to previous feedbacks and flow for registration. From the

previous intake, we found that students were not satisfied with the food order system-

which they had to pay the amount on the final day of the isolation period. Probably, they

felt burdened or less of choices. Isolation center management also felt that during the

previous isolation, it was hard to convey messages even though they had used the

public address system (broadcast system/megaphone) at INASIS. At this time around

also, the health screening by PKU was done at the INASIS. Thus, the INASIS

management had to revamp the SOP and produced new layout and plans for almost all

aspects.

During the 3rd phase of isolation (round 1), INASIS Bank Rakyat chose the area in

front of the cafeteria and office for registration purpose (refer Figure 2). This was due to

easier traffic flow (at the main gate) and near to the office (for room keys). Two types of

counters were opened namely for the health screening purpose and registration

purpose (check-in and room key). The registration upgraded its procedures by using

QR code to join the residential‘s WhatsApp group. Students were also asked to scan

another QR code to fill in the registration form by themselves. By using the QR codes,

we hope to reduce time and contactless during registration process. Despite that, there

were some technical hiccups when the QR code could not be read by the mobile

phones and students wrongly fill in the google form (perhaps they were tired or feeling

stressed during registration process). Another new procedure introduced at the

Isolation Center was the food management. The Isolation Center management

suggested to the University to open cafeteria for take-away only. This was to ensure

that students had freedom to choose any food as of their budget and buy personal

items at a temporary stall there. It was a success, but we found a bit challenging to

control the flow of 880 students in the cafeteria. We had to make drastic change on the

SOP at the cafeteria by tagging lines and suggested food pre-order system to the

6

caterer. This somehow had helped to reduced number of students during peak hours at

the cafeteria (refer Figure 4).

During the 3rd phase of isolation (round 2), the isolation management team decided to

move the registration process at Dewan Bukit Kachi (refer Figure 3). This was due to

feedbacks of round 1 which noticed the challenges to carry luggage, especially for

female students as they had to go through staircases before entering the

accommodation. Another factor which made the change of procedures in round 2 was

the unexpected weather condition. During round 1, it was a hard day for all

management team at day 2 of registration due to heavy rain. Thus, the registration at

Dewan Bukit Kachi was an alternative to improve the drop point and ample space for

waiting, registration and health screening. At round 2, student still had to scan the QR

code to join the residential‘s WhatsApp group. But at this time, the staffs keyed in the

details using online google form. By this, it had helped to reduce technical errors.

Finally, during the 4th phase, the isolation management team maintained the latest

SOPs used during the 3rd phase round 2. There were 597 students who came back to

UUM from Hari Raya break from 20th – 23rd May 2021. Most students from Kelantan,

Terengganu, Pahang, Johor, Melaka, and Perak used chartered buses. The rest were

either sent by their parents or brought their own transport. Students arrived at Dewan

Bukit Kachi and went through health screening check-up by PKU. Next, they will

proceed to the registration table and scan the QR code to join accommodation‘s

WhatsApp group. For check-in purpose via google form, staffs asked some questions

and within 3 minutes, the registration process completed. Students were given room

keys and they went to their rooms.

The phases of isolation at INASIS Bank Rakyat had gone through hard times at the

early establishment. The management had no idea of which Isolation Center may be

used as benchmark. Thus, with the help from the Risk Management Unit, SAC and

PKU, INASIS Bank Rakyat had turned as an efficient registration process for an

Isolation Center. Table 1 is the list of phases during isolation period at INASIS Bank

Rakyat.

7

Table 1: Isolation Phases at INASIS Bank Rakyat, UUM

Category Date

1st Phase Students with special needs 26th November 2020 till 8th

December 2020

2nd Phase Foundation students (green zones) 9th January 2021 till 15th

January 2021

Students from Red zones 4th January 2021 till 11th

January 2021

3rd Phase Students with special needs

(categories as announced by MOHE) 5th -7th March 2021 (round 1)

19th - 21st March 2021 (round

2)

4th Phase Coming back from Hari Raya Break 20th – 23rd May 2021

Source: Authors‘ illustration

Meanwhile, second phase was divided in two sub phases whereas we allowed

students from semester A202. First sub-phase was targeted students from seven

states namely Kedah, Kelantan, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Terengganu and

Putrajaya with total 781 and second sub-phase received total 926 students from Kuala

Lumpur, Sabah, Sarawak, Penang, Perak, Selangor and Johor. After completion of

these two phases, we re-opened an application for those who missed and allowed

overall students despite their zones (refer Table 2).

Table 2: Second phase (Semester A202)

Category Date

Kedah,Kelantan, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan,

Pahang, Terengganu and Putrajaya 5th March till 7th March 2021

Kuala Lumpur, Sabah, Sarawak, Penang,

Perak, Selangor and Johor 19th March 2021 till 21st March 2021

Students (despite of zones) 25th March 2021

Source: Authors‘ illustration

8

Both phases were done at frontal area of Inasis Bank Rakyat which adjacent cafeteria

and second location was at Kachi Hall. It depends on the number of students we

received for each phase (refer appendices).

University management also set standard operating procedures for students and staffs

abide throughout period of Isolation phases. We allowed students to bring essential

belongings to ensure less burden for them and staffs who help them. During isolation

period, student will be a room and not allowed to sit or stay with their friend from other

rooms. Moreover, if they need any essential things, they may inform assistant principal

who is on duty. Besides that, we also create groups for students so they able to

communicate with us, if they need any help or assistance. In addition, students will be

reminded by on duty assistant principal time by time regarding information from

Management, Food bank and check out dates and rules they must abide on the day.

Challenges

We are delighted to help students and ease their journey to the campus with little

hassle. However, we encountered challenges during the isolation period too. Most of

articles in magazines, newspaper and research papers discussed about challenges

faced by students, however, challenges from staffs‘ perspective seem overlooked.

Throughout isolation period, we were concerned about our health as we were exposed

to high-risk students who came all the way from red zones. Moreover, during the

isolation period enforced, all staffs who involved were not vaccinated which may lead to

rapid infection among us.

Moreover, we undergone tiredness, fatigue and burn out as some students brought

many belongings and we need to carry them as they were not able to do so. Even

though, students were kept reminded about SOPs, yet they were adamant to abide,

and we need to do random spot check to ensure that students are following SOPs.

There were few cases where students report on student gathering at one room and

make noises at late night. Without hesitation, we need to rush to the place, the moment

we received the information regardless of time. Though, Students‘ Association helped

9

us but, we took safety measurement to ensure they are not a close contact with the

students from high-risk states.

Another challenge we faced is weather condition. There were days, we almost got

tanned and encountered skin irritation. Meanwhile, a few days we were affected with

heavy downpour which forced to move all registration desks, tables, chairs to Kachi Hall

in order to continue the process without hurdles. Nevertheless, the shift to Kachi Hall

turned out as the best registration process in compared to the 1st and 2nd phase

nearby cafeteria. The traffic flow was smooth as it is more spacious at the surrounding

of Kachi Hall (See Appendix A for Registration Process at Cafeteria and Appendix B

Registration Process at Kachi Hall).

Apart from the management team and the weather, challenges were also faced by

students who went through the isolation period. We encountered a few awkward

occasions which related to stressful and burn out. At once, we received report about a

student who went out and laying down in the middle of futsal court while it was raining

heavily. Someone took a snapshot of the incident and they found out that the student

posted himself in the Instagram with a quote that he was missing family at home

Another example of student depression when students heard someone crying at night.

Students at Isolation got stressed easily as they were not allowed to visit any room and

should remained alone in their room until the end of isolation. Thus, INASIS Bank

Rakyat took initiative to chill the students by playing songs from 5pm until 7pm using

the megaphone. We also made random visits at nights to show that they were not left

alone at the Isolation Center. Finally, we also played the UUM song ―Biru Warna‖

during midnight at the end of Isolation Period. The feedbacks were surprising as many

of them requested the song to be played each night until they leave the Isolation

Center.

Conclusion

The establishment process and procedures of an Isolation Center is not an easy task.

Though, we are new to the isolation center management, but we learn lot of

administration works which required meticulous attention. The 1st phase of isolation

was used as benchmark. Shift of registration place from in front of the office (near

10

.

cafeteria) to Kachi Hall was the best move. It resolved most issues such as traffic

way, convenient during rainy days and more spacious and comfortable for staffs (under

roof) and easy for students to walk to their rooms. Besides that, we also learn to deal

with students as they too undergoing mental and physical stress throughout isolation

period. In coming isolation phases, we will improve and learn to manage Isolation

Centre with support by UUM management.

References

News Straits Times (July, 8th 2020) Students can return to universities, colleges

beginning this month, in phases. Retrieved at https://www.google.

com/?client=safari&channel=mac_bm

Borneopost (April,2nd 2020) List of hospitals assigned for corona patients. Retrieved at

https://www.theborneopost.com/

Appendices

Appendix A: Chart Flow at Inasis Bank Rakyat Cafeteria

Image 1: Health screening at cafeteria

Image 2: Registration at cafeteria

IMAGE 2 IMAGE 1

11

Appendix B: Chart flow at Bukit Kachi Hall

Image 3: Health screening at Bukit Kachi Hall

Image 4: Registration at Bukit Kachi

IMAGE 4 IMAGE 3

12

ISOLATION CENTER: CHALLENGES AND EXPERIENCES FROM STUDENTS’ PERSPECTIVES

Nur Afifah Binti Mohammed Kamal

School of Business Management Universiti Utara Malaysia

nurafifah.uum@gmail.com

Abstract

The world has had unpredictable event in year 2020 and its dire consequences still

continue till date. Coronavirus disease was detected in end 2019, however, the

aggressiveness of the disease had identified early February 2020 in Malaysia.

Unexpectedly, this unprecedented event has had forced the whole world to choose ―total

lockdown‖ to break the chain of infection. The consequences can be in economic

closure, travel restriction and most importantly, university campuses and schools were

closed and transited to online learning. Online learning seems easier as it is not much

like traditional classroom. However, due to some reasons, students especially final year

students, research students and students who are affected with low internet connectivity

at hometown express their difficulties to adapt to the ―new norm‖ learning system.

Therefore, government mandate that universities should arrange isolation facilities for

those who opt to come back to the campus. There are many events happened during in

the isolation centre for 14 days, some are hilarious, some are thrilling and some are

frustrating. Hence, this paper will look into challenges of being in isolation centre from

students‘ perspectives and experiences and will be documented for future purposes.

Keywords: Coronavirus, isolation, challenges, student

INTRODUCTION

Covid-19 is a virus which can cause respiratory illnesses when aerosols or droplets

containing the virus are inhaled or touch the eyes, nose, or mouth without a proper

sanitization. Primarily, safety measure is social distancing of at least 1 meter from each

other, and not be in a confined air-conditioned rooms with the infected. Unfortunately,

13

the cases are ramping up due to virus mutation and whole countries without exception

(Malaysian government, too) must initiate another longer lockdown for people in order to

break the chain. Therefore, students are not excluded from the viciousness of this virus.

To overcome this issue and ensure the continuation of the student‘s studies, universities

start implementing online classes. Students can access their class from anywhere, at

their own home, separate rooms, away from the traditional class environment. For

some, it is a blessing to have their classes at home, however, there are rising issues

such as disrupted internet connection which halt the learning process and cause mental

agony to the affected students.

Hence, Ministry of Higher Education (Malaysia) mandated to every university

management in Malaysia to allow students who need to be at the campus because of

their disrupted learning process. However, students will have to go through health

screening and isolate themselves for 14 days before they are allowed in the campus.

Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) is one of Malaysia‘s public higher learning institutions

that have two separate university ground in Sintok, Kedah. Bank Rakyat Residential Hall

are in Bukit Kachi, 6km away from the main campus which enable UUM to set up an

Isolation Centre which are away from the public. In these 14 days of isolation, there are

numerous events that happened and issues that arisen among the students. Thus, the

purpose of this paper is to document the challenges faced by UUM students and events

that happened in Isolation Centre as guidelines in the future.

ISOLATION PHASE 1

Bank Rakyat Residential Hall recorded a total amount of 877 students who have applied

to return to UUM. Students who have returned have to go through health screening

(Image 2), where students who have no recent close contact to a positive patient and

asymptomatic are allowed to ―check-in‖ into their assigned room for isolation. Students

who show symptoms such as fever and flu are sent to quarantine centre, SME Bank

Residential Hall (Image 1).

Bank Rakyat Residential Hall is located 6km away from the main campus (Image 1),

making it the perfect accommodation facility for students returning to Universiti Utara

14

Malaysia (UUM) from all over the country to isolate for 14 days before they are allowed

to make their way into main campus. There are few rules set in place for students in

isolation:

1. Always adhere to the Covid-19 Pandemic Standard Operating Procedure.

2. To always sanitize their hands before and after entering cafeteria.

3. Always have a face mask on.

4. Students are not allowed to roam around outside of their block unless to get food

and to the atm machine.

5. Students are not allowed to gather.

6. No sports are allowed on isolation ground.

In the first few days, the cafeteria is only operational at certain hours for breakfast, lunch

and dinner which is 7am to 9am, 12pm to 2pm and 6pm to 8pm respectively. This

caused students to queue in a very long line at that specific time and sometimes the

food prepared was not enough for all. This issue was brought up to the management by

the Student Leadership and Development Committee and the hours becomes more

flexible as the cafeteria operates from 9am to 8pm.

To further accommodate the students, Kachi Mart were also set up in the cafeteria

where students can get necessities such as hygienic products and dry food. Since it was

the first time the students must go through isolation, students quite discontented with

new restriction such as no outside foods, no hang out with their friends after being away

from each other for more than a year and the anxiety of being isolated. Therefore, spot-

checks were made by the management to ensure students were adhering to the

isolation rules and some were found gathering in their friend‘s room. The most

memorable excuse was to pray together with their friend.

After 14 days of the isolation, these students are allowed to return to campus. Bus and

lorries were provided to bring the students inside main campus. UUM‘s official song was

played in the midnight of 14th March 2021 to celebrate the students who finished their

isolation process.

Despite being able to hang out with their friends after isolation, UUM is still in lockdown

mode to ensure that no students go out to a high-risk place and carry the virus back.

15

ISOLATION PHASE 2

For students who did not return on early March in Phase 1 but wishes to do so,

Universiti Utara Malaysia once again open their doors. The flow of registration for Phase

1 shows that overcrowded situation happens when both male and female students

gathered in the same waiting area. To prevent this and making the process better than

previous, registration and health screening are divided into two places. The flow in

(Image 2) are used for male students, while female students register in Kachi Hall

(Image 3) (Image 4).

Phase 2 recorded a total number of 779 students returning to UUM. Since the students

returning in Phase 2 are also going through the isolation for the first time, a lot of groups

were caught getting together. This brings anxiety for the rest who wants to go through

isolation safely as these students are still at risk of infection from asymptomatic carriers.

To keep the students aware of these rules, management have deployed student officers

to broadcast reminders every day. They were also allowed to take the matters into their

hands and collect the names of the students who fail to comply to these rules.

In Phase 2, the layout of the cafe is re-arranged to ensure the standard operating

procedures can be followed. As seen in (Image 5), the flow is divided into 2. The

entrance is equipped with temperature scanner and QR code for MySejathera

application for record. The right path is for the students who wants to purchase foods

items from food station 1 or the burger stall while the left path is for students who wishes

to purchase foods in food station 2 or food ordered from the cafe and wait in the waiting

area. Each path meets at cashier and from there, students can buy extra food or

necessities from Kachi Mart and make their way to the exit door. These paths are to

ensure there are no back-flow movement by the students and can prevent over-

crowding.

Bank Rakyat Residential Hall‘s Student Development and Committee Members took a

decision to motivate the students as some of the students show hints of anxiety and

depression as isolation trigger loneliness. One of the initiatives is broadcasting music

and quranic verses for 30 minutes each day. After 14 days, the isolation students

checked out into main campus and were celebrated in the same manner as the students

in Phase 1 which the UUM official song, Biru Warna was played at midnight.

16

ISOLATION PHASE 3

Isolation phase 3 consists of students returning to UUM after Eid. Starting on 21st May

2021, not only these are the students who have gone through isolation before in Phase

1 or 2, there are also other students who have not returned takes the opportunity to

return to the university. Since most of the returnees are students from Phase 1 and

Phase 2, they are already familiar with how the process work and the isolation rules that

they need to follow. Phase 3 registration are all done in Kachi Hall as shown in (Image

4).

A memorable and commendable action shown by the students in isolation centre in all 3

phases can be seen in each of the block‘s Whatsapp group chat. For example, students

that just arrived need a broom to clean their room, or a student need to use the ironing

machine but did not bring hers. They only need to get into the group chat and asks who

have what they need, and there will always be someone who is willing to help. One of

the memorable experiences is when a student asks for someone to get her food from

the cafeteria as she has premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and cannot get out of bed to go

to the cafeteria. Many offers to help her buy food from the cafeteria. Besides that, these

students also offered their food to others in the middle of the night just in case someone

else is awake and hungry.

There was an instance where the ATM machine broke down at it was the only machine

in Bukit Kachi. Some students were struggling to purchase food from the cafeteria as

they have no cash in hands. Knowing this fact, some students come forward and ready

to give them some cash until the ATM machine is fixed. There are also students offering

to buy food from students who are being frugal due to their financial limitations. This

shows that in a hard time in isolation, there is always empathetic individuals that can

make their hardship bearable.

The same issue has arisen among the students in Phase 3, such as the food prepared

for food stations are not sufficient to feed all of the students and they had to resort to

alternatives such as instant noodles sold at Kachi Mart. The rule enforcement also

seems to be tighter as police officers can be seen driving around Bukit Kachi to ensure

17

that all standard operating procedures are followed. Students are later sent to the main

campus after 14 days isolation in the same manner as in Phase 1 and Phase 2.

METHODOLOGY

This research is done by a short online survey is distributed to UUM students who have

previously went through 14 days of isolation in isolation centre located at Bank Rakyat

Student Residential Hall, UUM, Sintok, Kedah. The students participating in the survey

are mostly full-time undergraduates of UUM. Total number of students participating in

the short online survey are 20 participants ranging from 21 years old to 25 years old.

RESULTS

Data generated from the survey were analyzed from students who have went through

14 days of isolation in isolation centre in Bank Rakyat Residential Hall, Bukit Kachi,

Sintok, Kedah.

Figure 1: Percentages of respondents by races

Figure 1 shows the percentage of races of participants who participate in the survey. 65% of

the participants are Malays, which is 13 students. The survey also consists of 4 Indian

students that makes up 20% percent of participants. Lastly, 15%, 3 Chinese students have

participated in the survey.

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Figure 2: Age of respondents

Figure 2 is the range of ages of the 20 participants. 7 of the participants are 22 years old

students, making up 35% from the total participants. 30% which is 6 participants from 20

are 23 years old followed by 5 (21 years old students, which is 25% from the total

participants). The remaining 10% are 2 participants that are 24 and 25 years old.

Based on the feedback received by participants that have went through 14 days

isolation in Table 1, the major challenges they faced is related to food, as it was

mentioned up to 20 times in the survey. The challenges are the students were not

allowed to purchase food from outside, the ordering service by the cafe takes too long,

there was not a lot of option to choose from and they had to wait in line for a long time

before they get to buy food. Besides food challenges, some of the participants also

expresses anxiety as their peers fails to adhere to the isolation rules of no gathering.

Other mentioned challenges are they were not allowed to see other people as they

comply to the isolation rule for 14 days and requests entertainment.

The suggestions received from the participants on how their experience in isolation can

be improved including providing more option for food in the cafeteria. They also request

to create a better system for the student to purchase food or add more booths,

lessening the amount of time they must wait in line. Some of the participants also

suggests enforcing the rules more strictly to prevent other students breaking the

isolation rule. Other suggestion includes adding more variety of stuff sold at the mart

19

and provide the students entertainment as they were not allowed to hang out with their

friends.

LIMITATION

The survey has been carried out after months of isolation, therefore, it was quite

challenging for us to gather information from students. Even though, the respondents

seem low, but we ensure the reliability of the answers we received. In future, we are

planning to carry out a survey on 14th days of isolation to ensure more respondents and

receive more data on the issues.

CONCLUSION

This paper is written to document the challenges of being in isolation centre from

student‘s perspectives and experiences for future purposes. The documentation shows

how despite challenges, these students are ready to help each other out. The findings of

this paper from the surveys distributed shows that most of the participants in isolation

centre have issues related with the food provided and they need more option of food to

choose from as what the cafeteria has provided are not enough for all the students. The

suggestions are also related to food and what they hope to see if they ever need to go

through the isolation again in the future.

Table 1: Challenges and Suggestions

Num.

State the challenges you faced while in isolation.

Please suggest how your experience in isolation can be improved.

1 To get food. Need to wait for long time Provide same food to all student or enhance effectiveness of cafeteria

2 It‘s hard to hang around as most of us were exposed to the disease and to get food is hard as we have time to go to the cafe and we cannot bring outside food.

My suggestion is to make it stricter as i can see there are still many people hang around in one room

3 Hard to buy food Create a better system in buying food at cafe

20

4 I think mainly the limited resources of food being available such as students that need to stay at kachi doesn't have the access to cafe and delivery food is not not reasonable to order twice a day.

I think the students should be allowed to enter campus it doesn't make sense just because they stay where there are students quarantine but staff officers from red zone area are permitted to enter.

5 The ordering service was not affectation and limited food.

Make more food and apply the concept ―first come first serve‖.

6 I had to isolate for 14 days without seeing anyone.

Entertainment for student isolation

7 Need to survive with separate the food Ensure the facilities had been maintained before student used it when isolation.

8 Cannot go anywhere. Make sure you don't bring a lot of things

9 I have anxiety from other people who fails to comply to the isolation rules which is no gathering.

I hope the rules can be enforced more strictly.

10 There are not much choice for food More food choice

11 It's hard to carry a lot of stuff I wish there is a place where we can transit our stuff before moving into main campus.

12 People gathering, not adhering to the isolation rule

Enforce isolation rules more strictly

13 Not enough necessities although there is a mart

I hope the mart sells more variety of stuff that students actually need

14 Food Improve the cafe

15 Hard to interact, or to find food/beverage

Implement the best and effective way of doing isolation so that everybody can follow the rules/SOP correctly.

16 Food choice More food choices

17 A lot of stuff to carry Parent should be allowed to help

18 Other students are not following the rules.

Be stricter with the rules.

19 Food I hope there are more options and less queuing.

20 Queue for food is too long Have more food booths so people don't have to queue for long time

21

APPENDICES

Image 1: Location of Isolation Centre

Image 2: Registration Flow Cafeteria

22

Image 3: Location of Kachi Hall

Image 4: Registration Flow Kachi Hall

23

Image 5: Layout of the cafeteria

24

“SING IN SILENCE”: THE USEFULNESS OF A SIGN LANGUAGE PROGRAMME FOR FRESH GRADUATES

Muhammad Amir Syafik Mohd Taufik

Tunku Intan Safinaz School of Accountancy, Universiti Utara Malaysia amirsyafikmt@gmail.com

Ahmad Subhi Zolkafly

School of Computing, Universiti Utara Malaysia subhizolkafly@gmail.com

Nur Izzati Liyana Azizan School of International Studies, Universiti Utara Malaysia

nurizzat_liyana@yahoo.com

Abstract

Sign language is one of the main criteria that might be a stepping stone for one as it

might be an extra advantage in working environment for future. It will be extremely

important for the human in improving themselves to becoming a better mankind that

can suits with the modernisation era. Nowadays, fresh graduates who are looking for a

job usually needs to be peculiar as for now everyone had a great improvement in their

studies and result but are still jobless. Therefore, sign language might be one of the

advantages that they can have in order to gain more privilege especially during their

job interview. Thus, Learning Hub Community Impact Lab of Bank Rakyat Student

Residential Hall, Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) managed to organize a programmed

named ―Sing in Silence‖. This program aims to create an opportunity for students to

learn basic sign language using a song and organized on 1st December 2020 through

Webex platform. In conjunction with that program, panels from various background was

invited to give a real working situation and feedback regarding people with disability

through a programme named ―Now You See Me‖ on 22nd February 2021. This program

is participated by student of Universiti Utara Malaysia.

Keywords: Advantage, Working Environment, Fresh Graduates.

25

INTRODUCTION

Sign language had been one of the most meaningful language that is used by some

people in order to stay connected with others and some is use to help the others. A

journal of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education had been considered sign language is also

a simultaneous communication or sign- supported speech in which it is refer to by

using both spoken and also signing (Caccamise, F., Blaisdell, R., & Meath-Lang, B.,

1977). In other ways it is call two ways communication by the single individual that

helps to connect them with different language but with the same meaning.

As mentioned by The Star newspaper that stated by Anthony Chong, ―Sign Language

is a visual language, which is actually equal to any spoken languages because this

visual language has its own grammar, structure and meaning‖ (Priya Kulasagaran,

2014). Sign language might just be a collection of simple iconic gesture for some

people and it should be easy to understand, but sign language itself has it uniqueness

as sign language had been naturally developed within the deaf community itself.

Besides, sign language is not artificially handed down to them and they need to create

it by themselves in order to have the communication with other people rather than only

communicating with a deaf community.

There are a few importance of sign language that makes it truly needed by fresh

graduates in competing in this modernisation era because it might become one of the

advantages for fresh graduates. Sign Language can expanding graduates‘ knowledge

on how this language affect them personally especially in working environment and

also create awareness on the advantages of knowing and learning sign language. As

mentioned earlier, this paper will highlight about the usefulness of sign language

programme for fresh graduates. This program had been done by Learning Hub

Community Impact Lab INASIS Bank Rakyat Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) and the

views from industrial players were taken as the findings in this paper.

LITERATURE REVIEW

Sign language in Malaysia had been introduced since the year of 1960s by Mr. Tan

Yap who took a leave of absence from work for one year in order to pursue his study in

American Sign Language (ASL) and to help those people in need or strictly deaf in

26

Malaysia. He is now called the ―Father of the Deaf‖ by the Malaysian Deaf (Hope M.

Hurlbut, n.d). The first school of deaf in Malaysia was built in Penang which was using

oralism method of teaching. In the early stage, the students itself develop their own

indigenous sign language before ASL was introduced to them and it is called Penang

Sign Language (PSL). In Malaysia, there are at several sign language that was used at

that time namely Penang Sign Language, Selangor Sign Language (called Kuala

Lumpur Sign Language), and Malaysian Sign Language that referring to a different

types of dialects spoken in multiple states and mostly are Manually Coded Malay

(Parkhurst, Steven and Dianne, 1997).

Furthermore, a study shows that approximately only 30% of the American Sign

Language (ASL) and British Sign Language (BSL) that is similar with the Malaysian

Sign Language or been called as ―Bahasa Isyarat Malaysia‖. To add on, some of the

language such as sign representation of the letters itself may be vary in all states in

Malaysia because they have different dialects spoken based on the states (Parkhurst,

Steven and Dianne, 1998).

―MSL uses both manual and non-manual components: hand shapes and movements,

and facial expression and shoulder movements. It has many ‗dialects‘ that vary from

state to state. The American Sign Language (ASL) has a strong influence on MSL, but

both are different enough to be considered as separate languages. In addition, there

are some other variations of the MSL used in Malaysia‖ (Siew Hock Ow, Salimah

Mokhtar and Roziati Zainuddin, 2007).

METHODOLOGY

In achieving the objective, two programs had been done by Residen Siswa (RS)

INASIS Bank Rakyat which are ―Sing in Silence‖ and ―Now You See Me‖. Both of the

programs have the same objective that is to encourage the graduates in learning sign

language that is useful for them in the working environment. The programs also

intended to encourage the students that will graduate soon in giving back to the

community as mastering sign language will not only as an added value towards their

knowledge, but they will have the ability to communicate with the deaf community as

this community is labelled as minority and most people do not understand them.

27

The first program named ―Sing in Silence‖ was held in order for the students to learn

basic signage of the sign language for a simple basic communication with the deaf

community. This program was held online through Cisco Webex Meetings and the

invited speaker is from Malaysian Federation of the Deaf (MDF), a sign language

interpreter. While learning basic term of sign language, the participants also been

exposed on how to have a facial expression while signing as deaf people because this

community also have the same amount of expression to show that comes together with

the signage. The participants also been taught on how to sing UUM theme song called

―Biru Warna‖. This program was held on 1st December 2020 and being a stepping

stone for participants to use sign language in daily life.

In conjunction with the first program, the next program called ―Now You See Me‖ brings

out four(4) peculiar panellists that had experience in handling deaf people in their jobs.

The panellists are from Rapid Rail Sdn. Bhd., Jakel Alor Setar Sdn. Bhd., Affin Bank

Sdn. Bhd., and Perbadanan Pembangunan Ekonomi Sarawak. By bringing those four

speakers, the participants have an opportunity to asked directly the speakers that

relating to their experience in handling people with disability (PWD) especially the deaf

community. This was an online program and being held via Cisco Webex Meetings.

FINDINGS

The findings are taken from the panellist through a ―Now You See Me‖ programmed

that comes from various background of occupation.

Panel 1 (Panel from Rapid Rail Sdn. Bhd.)

―Sign language had become one of the languages that is widely use especially in the

Rapid Rail Sdn. Bhd. as in this sector, we will have to communicate with different layer

of people from the elderly to the youngsters of the disability community. In having the

communication with different people with different disability, mostly our customers are

deaf community. Besides, we also have to communicate with another disability

community but not as much as deaf community. In this case, the sign language

becomes one of the importance languages because this community also will be using

the public transport such as the buses and trains. Therefore, as a person in charge, I

need to know the basic sign language in order to help those who are in needs to make

28

sure they also having the same privilege as others while using our services not makes

them feel left out from the other customers.‖

Panel 2 (Panel from JAKEL Sdn. Bhd.)

Next, the panel shared his previous experience as the marketing executive in sales

and marketing department, ―we need people that have the kind of specialities such as

having knowledge of sign language as our employee‖. He added, ―Previously in

JAKEL, there was a one family that have all deaf members came to the shop to buy

some clothes. With the disabilities they have, it will be difficult for them in

communicating with the workers while buying the clothes and the shop workers also

have the difficulties in helping the family as they also do not have the basic knowledge

in sign language to communicate with that customer.‖ Therefore, with this example it

shows that sign language is very important in making fresh graduates to have a

speciality for job seekers.

Panel 3 (Panel from Affin Bank Sdn. Bhd.)

Furthermore, the other panellist has the same overview about the importance of

learning sign language towards the graduates as nowadays sign language might be

peculiar for someone especially the fresh graduates that are looking for jobs. Rather

than that, she said, ―by learning sign language, the job seekers will have an

advantages for applying the job vacancies.‖ She also added that, ―we will feel

responsibility to help those in needs as the job seekers can feel the struggle on how

people with disabilities want to ask for help or communicate freely like the other normal

people‖. To add on, the panellist also shares about her experienced on helping those

people that are in need and also how they handle the problem without any experience

in the first place. Therefore they recommend all the participants to learn at least basic

sign language and indirectly the fresh graduates will have an advantage for submitting

the application.

Panel 4 (Panel from Perbadanan Pembangunan Ekonomi Sarawak)

―Sign Language is one of the languages that is looked over nowadays in the job

interview as it might be one of the criteria that is looked into from the graduates that are

applying for jobs in the future‖. As said by the panel, in her company, they might

encounter many disabilities people that might look for them as asking for help in

29

Sarawak but they do not have much people that can communicate with them.

Therefore, she encourages the graduates to learn sign language because it will

become an important language in a near future. She also shared about her

experienced facing with this community, ―that person or family need to write in a paper

for us (the officer) to know what their problems are. It is very difficult to help them

because some of them are using their native language while communicating with me.‖

In future, she recommended her boss to hire a graduates that know sign language as a

newly members in the company.

CONCLUSION

As stated by the panels, sign language had become one of the important for the

graduates in the future especially for graduates who are seeking for a vacancy. The

industrial players are expected to hire theirs workers who can able to communicate

with disability people. The front lines workers will directly communicate with the

disabilities as they might need some help. Therefore, by learning sign language, it is

indirectly can help those graduates in having an extra advantage in order to compete

with other graduates that are mostly have the same level of academic results in finding

the jobs. As an initiative, UUM not only provides the platform for the graduates to learn

the sign language, but it also open a lifetime opportunity for the graduates in having

one of the most useful language in this world that can be used widely in most of the

countries in the world despite of the dialects and ways to communicate. The Learning

Hub Community Impact Lab INASIS Bank Rakyat plays a big role in managing the

events to a success with the consistency and commitment from all parties (especially

participants) of this program. With this program, the knowledge of participants were

increasing (about sigh language) and this knowledge can be used by the them as

graduates soon before seeking for a job and as an opportunity to stand out from the

other graduates.

As for this, sign language had become merely important especially for the fresh

graduates as for them, it might not seem important, but it is highly recommended in

knowing this type of language. Learning sign language not only will give the fresh

graduates extra advantages but it can make them very special as industrial nowadays

want someone with a great potential for helping the company in expanding their wings.

Furthermore, sign language also will help the participants‘ especially fresh graduates to

30

communicate easily with deaf community. With this knowledge, it will indirectly give

them an opportunity to have a well-mannered attitude while speaking especially to the

deaf community.

RECOMMENDATION

The recommendation for the upcoming program, we hope that the program could be

more various such as learning braille language as we can see in our real life, braille

also had already exist in our daily life such as in the elevator. Therefore, it will shows

that Malaysian people never discriminate people with disabilities and surely will be

benefits for graduates in the future.

REFERENCES

Caccamise, F., Blaisdell, R., & Meath-Lang, B. (1977). Hearing impaired persons‘

simultaneous reception of information under live and two visual motion media

conditions. American Annals of the Deaf

Hock Ow, S., Mokhtar, S., & Zainuddin, R. (2007). A review on the teaching and

learning

resources for the deaf community in Malaysia. Journal, 1(1).

https://www.thaiscience.info/Journals/Article/CMUS/10325206.pdf

Hurlbut, H. (n.d.). A preliminary survey of the signed languages of Malaysia. Retrieved

from https://www.signwriting.org/archive/docs6/sw0593_SignLanguages_

Malaysia_Hurlbut.pdf

Kulasagaran, P. (2014, July 26). Must language be spoken to be heard?

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/education/2014/07/27/must-language-be-

spoken-to-be- heard-the-development-of-sign-language-in-malaysia

Parkhurst, Steven and Dianne. (1997). Introduction. (Part of the final write-up of the

LSE

survey).

Parkhurst, Steven and Dianne. (1998). Introduction to sign language survey. Notes on

Sociolinguistics 3:215-242. Dallas, Texas: Summer Institute

of Linguistic

31

KEBERKESANAN PENGANJURAN PROGRAM KEAGAMAAN SECARA ATAS TALIAN TERHADAP PELAJAR UNIVERSITI UTARA MALAYSIA, KAJIAN KES:

INAPAN SISWA BANK RAKYAT, UNIVERSITI UTARA MALAYSIA, SINTOK

Nor Amelia Deeana Binti Norsham

Inasis Bank Rakyat Universiti Utara Malaysia Sintok ameliadeeana@gmail.com

Mohamad Shahrul Farhan Bin Mohd Dim

Inasis Bank Rakyat Universiti Utara Malaysia Sintok mohdshahrulfarhan9@gmail.com

Muhammad Nur Ramadhan Bin Tajul Hasnan Inasis Bank Rakyat Universiti Utara Malaysia Sintok

ramadhan19992018@gmail.com

Abstrak

Universiti Utara Malaysia terdiri daripada sembilan kolej penginapan pelajar yang

dikenali sebagai inapan siswa (Inasis). Majoriti universiti menggunakan istilah kolej.

Setiap Inasis terdiri daripada jawatankuasa pelajar yang dikenali sebagai JKPS iaitu

Jawatankuasa Kepimpinan dan Pembangunan Siswa. Di bawah JKPS terdapat biro-

biro yang ditugaskan untuk menganjurkan program kepada para pelajar. Penganjuran

program di Inasis membolehkan para pelajar tidak hanya fokus kapada bidang

akademik sahaja. Hal ini sesuai dengan keadaan kehidupan pada hari ini yang

memerlukan para pelajar meneroka pelbagai ilmu terutama dalam bidang itu ;a .

Kertas kerja ini akan memfokuskan kepada aktiviti yang dianjurkan oleh Biro

Kerohanian dan Sahsiah Inasis Bank Rakyat sepanjang sesi 2020/2021.

Memandangkan keadaan semasa Covid 19 tidak membenarkan program dilaksanakan

secara bersemuka, maka setiap program yang dilaksanakan oleh biro di jalankan

secara atas talian. Kertas kerja ini akan memfokuskan kepada keberkesanan

penganjuran program agama anjuran Biro Kerohanian dan Sahsiah Inasis Bank

Rakyat. Data dikumpul secara atas talian menggunakan ―google form‖ melibatkan ahli

JKPS dan peserta yang mengikuti program tersebut.

Kata kunci : Keberkesanan, Program keagamaan, Pelajar

32

Pengenalan

Setiap Inapan Siswa di Universiti Utara Malaysia mempunyai Ahli Jawatankuasa

Pelajar yang dikenali sebagai Jawatankuasa Kepimpinan dan Pembangunan Siswa

(JKPS). Di bawah Jawatankuasa ini terdapat beberapa biro yang mengendalikan

aktiviti Inasis terutamanya aktiviti pelajar-pelajar di inasis. Aktiviti yang dikendalikan

oleh JKPS ini memberi peluang kepada pelajar untuk menambah ilmu pengetahuan

serta meningkatkan kemahiran insaniah pelajar. Salah satu biro yang mengendalikan

aktiviti atau program keagamaan ialah Biro Kerohanian dan Sahsiah Inasis Bank

Rakyat. Biro ini banyak mengendalikan aktiviti atau program yang melibatkan unsur-

unsur keagamaan seperti ceramah, aktiviti tadarus al-Quran dan sebagainya. Aktiviti

dan program ini diadakan untuk memperbaiki diri pelajar disamping mendekatkan diri

dengan ilmu agama dan ketuhanan.

Penyataan masalah

Kajian ini berkaitan dengan keberkesanan penganjuran program keagamaan secara

atas talian. Terdapat cabaran dan masalah yang dihadapi oleh Biro Kerohanian dan

Sahsiah Inasis Bank Rakyat. Wabak penyakit Covid-19 telah merebak pada awal

tahun 2020 sehingga kini. Perintah kawalan pergerakan (PKP) juga telah berkuatkuasa

seluruh negara. Aktiviti ekonomi dan sosial juga terpaksa diberhentikan sementara

waktu. Banyak aktiviti pelajar secara bersemuka juga terpaksa ditangguhkan. Aktiviti

atau program yang sudah dirancang juga terpaksa dijalankan secara atas talian. Salah

satu cabaran yang dihadapi apabila program dijalankan atas talian adalah sambutan

yang tidak mengalakkan seperti program secara bersemuka.

Seterusnya, program secara atas talian juga memerlukan talian internet yang kuat

untuk menyiarkan program yang sedang berlangsung. Gangguan talian internet juga

sering terjadi ketika program berlangsung. Selain itu, program secara atas talian juga

melibatkan pihak penganjur perlu sentiasa menghubungi pihak tetamu jemputan

tentang perjalanan program. Pengawasan perjalanan program berlangsung juga tinggi

bagi memastikan program berjalan dengan lancar.

33

Objektif

Meninjau pendapat para pelajar mengenai program keagamaan yang dijalankan

secara atas talian

Mengenal pasti tahap kualiti aktiviti keagamaan anjuran Biro Kerohanian dan

Sahsiah Inasis Bank Rakyat.

Metadologi kajian

Kajian ini menggunakan kaedah borang soal selidik menggunakan google form sebagai

instrumen bagi mencapai objektif kajian. Kajian dilakukan ke atas Jawatankuasa

Kepimpinan dan Pembangunan Siswa (JKPS) sesi 2020/2021. Dalam kajian ini,

seramai 30 orang responden telah menjawab soal selidik tersebut.

Soalan – soalan yang dikemukakan telah dibahagikan kepada 2 bahagian bagi

memudahkan analisa dilakukan. Soalan – soalan yang dikemukan adalah berdasarkan

pengalaman dan pendapat mereka mengenai program keagamaan yang telah

dijalankan pada tahun 2021.

Data daripada borang soal selidik yang telah dikumpulkan telah dianalisa dengan

menggunakan perisian Microsoft Excel. Hasil analisa kemudian disusun dalam bentuk

statistik bagi tujuan perbandingan skor jawapan. Bagi menggambarkan hasil analisa

dengan lebih mudah, graf, jadual dan carta digunakan. Berdasarkan hasil analisa

tersebut, tahap keberkesanan penganjuran program agama secara atas talian dapat

diperhatikan dan dirumuskan.

Keputusan dan Perbincangan

Latar belakang pelajar

Dalam kajian ini, responden yang kami terima adalah dalam kalangan Jawatankuasa

Kepimpinan dan Pembangunan Siswa (JKPS) seramai 30 orang responden. Hasil dari

borang soal selidik, seramai 73.3 peratus pelajar merupakan pelajar semester 4,

manakala yang selebihnya 23.3 peratus merupakan pelajar semester 6 dan 3.3

peratus merupakan pelajar semester 5.

34

Rajah 1 : Semester Responden

Pelajar – pelajar ini juga telah banyak mengikuti program – program keagamaan yang

telah dijalankan oleh Biro Kerohanian dan Sahsiah Inasis Bank Rakyat. Mereka juga

mempunyai pengalaman turut serta dalam pengendalian program secara atas talian

yang dianjurkan oleh Inasis Bank Rakyat.

Penyertaan Program Keagamaan anjuran Inasis Bank rakyat.

Bagi sesi tahun 2020/2021, sebanyak dua program bual bicara bersama tetamu

jemputan telah diadakan. Program tersebut bersifat santai bersama penceramah

jemputan yang berpengalaman dengan topik – topik keagamaan. Program pertama

yang pernah diadakan ialah program Genie In The Bottle. Program ini berkenaan

bagaimana seseorang itu mengendalikan perkara – perkara yang berunsurkan mistik

yang sukar untuk dilihat dengan mata kasar. Penceramah jemputan program ini

merupakan seorang pensyarah Universiti Utara Malaysia dan juga pengurus Pusat

Rawatan Kecil Darussyifa‘ yang berpengalaman dalam mengendalikan situasi atau

perkara – perkara mistik. Ketika program berlangsung, beliau berkongsi pengalaman

beliau serta menjawab soalan-soalan daripada para pelajar yang menonton program

tersebut. Seterusnya, program bual bicara yang kedua ialah program Beautiful Journey

of Kalam Suci yang mendapat sambutan yang amat mengalakkan daripada para

pelajar kerana penceramah yang terkenal. Beliau juga berkongsi ilmu pengetahuan

bersama para pelajar tentang kebaikan mengamalkan membaca al-Quran serta beliau

juga menjawab beberapa soalan daripada penonton.

35

Berdasarkan borang soal selidik, sebanyak 83.3 peratus responden yang menyertai

program Beautiful Journey of Kalam Suci, manakala sebanyak 16.7 peratus yang

pernah menyertai program Genie In The Bottle.

Rajah 2 : Penyertaan Program Keagamaan Anjuran Inasis Bank Rakyat

Faktor penyertaan kedua program ini berbeza mungkin disebabkan faktor perjalanan

ketika program berlangsung dan program Beautiful Journey of Kalam Suci lebih

mempunyai ramai penonton disebabkan penceramah yang terkenal dan lebih dikenali

oleh orang ramai.

Faktor pelajar ingin menyertai sesuatu program

Berdasarkan soal selidik, seramai 80 peratus responden menyertai sesuatu program

disebabkan penceramah yang diundang. Ini merupakan salah satu faktor yang

terbesar sesuatu program itu berjaya mendapat sambutan yang menggalakkan.

Seterusnya, seramai 70 peratus responden menyertai sesuatu program kerana tajuk

program yang menarik. Tajuk program yang menarik dapat menarik perhatian

penonton untuk menyaksikan sesuatu program tersebut. Selain itu, para responden

juga memilih untuk menyertai sesuatu program kerana masa yang sesuai untuk

menyertai program iaitu sebanyak 53.3 peratus.

Pemilihan masa yang sesuai dan tepat sangatlah penting bagi sesuatu program itu

berlangsung kerana pelajar akan menyertai sesuatu program pada masa lapang

mereka. Di samping itu, sebanyak 43.3 peratus responden juga memilih untuk

36

menyertai sesuatu program untuk menambah pengalaman mereka serta menambah

mata merit pelajar. Selain itu, seramai 36.7 peratus responden juga memilih untuk

menyertai sesuatu program kerana ingin memberi sambutan terhadap inasis mereka.

Seramai 30 peratus dari para responden juga memilih untuk melihat tajuk program

sesuai dengan isu semasa sebelum menyertai sesuatu program. Isu – isu semasa

juga menjadi daya tarikan bagi pelajar untuk menyertai program yang berkaitan

dengan isu yang mereka minat. Selain itu, seramai 26.7 peratus para responden

menyertai sesuatu program untuk mengasah kemahiran mereka disamping untuk

menambah kenalan mereka.

Rajah 3 : Faktor pelajar menyertai sesuatu program

Pemilihan penceramah memainkan peranan dalam menarik perhatian pelajar

sepanjang program berlangsung

Berdasarkan kajian ini, seramai 80 peratus para responden sangat bersetuju dan

seramai 20 peratus para responden setuju dengan faktor pemilihan penceramah

memainkan peranan yang penting dalam menarik perhatian pelajar sepanjang program

berlangsung. Kriteria dan cara penyampaian penceramah yang baik dapat menarik

minat dan perhatian pelajar untuk terus menonton. Hal ini juga dapat memberi

sambutan yang mengalakkan bagi sesuatu program.

37

Rajah 4 : Pemilihan penceramah memainkan peranan dalam menarik perhatian pelajar sepanjang program berlangsung

Pelajar lebih memilih program keagamaan sesuai diadakan secara bersemuka

atau secara dalam talian.

Berdasarkan maklumat yang diperolehi, 73.3 peratus responden lebih memilih program

keagamaan dijalankan secara bersemuka. Sambutan program secara bersemuka lebih

mengalakkan. Namun, 26.7 peratus responden lebih memilih program dijalankan

secara atas talian. Responden ini lebih memilih program secara atas talian mungkin

disebabkan faktor penjimatan masa dan boleh diakses dimana-mana sahaja.

38

Rajah 5 : Pelajar lebih memilih program keagamaan sesuai diadakan secara bersemuka atau secara dalam talian.

Perubahan pelajar selepas menyertai program keagamaan.

Setiap program keagamaan yang dijalankan oleh Biro Kerohanian dan Sahsiah Inasis

Bank Rakyat memberi impak dan kesan yang baik kepada pelajar yang menyertai

program tersebut. Pelbagai ilmu pengetahuan dan juga pengalaman yang pelajar

dapat ikuti dan juga amalkan. Berdasarkan kajian, seramai 40 peratus responden

sangat setuju bahawa selepas menyertai program keagamaan, mereka dapat

merasakan perubahan yang baik pada diri mereka. Serta seramai 53.3 peratus

responden setuju dengan perubahan yang baik pada diri mereka. Namun, seramai 6.7

peratus responden tidak pasti dengan perubahan yang baik pada diri mereka.

Rajah 6 : Perubahan pelajar selepas menyertai program keagamaan.

39

Kesimpulan

Kesimpulannya, keberkesanan penganjuran program keagamaan secara atas talian

amatlah penting. Dari soal selidik yang dibuat, pihak Biro Kerohanian dan Sahsiah

Inasis Bank Rakyat dapat mengetahui pendapat daripada pelajar yang pernah

menyertai program disamping dapat menambah baik kualiti program akan datang.

Pengendalian program secara atas talian amat berbeza dengan pengendalian program

secara bersemuka. Pihak penganjur perlu memastikan setiap aspek pengurusan

program berjalan dengan lancar. Program secara atas talian juga memerlukan pihak

penganjur untuk lebih kerap menghubungi penceramah jemputan. Penggunaan internet

juga amat penting. Kebanyakan cabaran dan masalah yang dihadapi ketika program

atas talian ialah masalah gangguan internet. Masalah ini akan menjejaskan perjalanan

program yang berlangsung serta menganggu emosi para penonton. Namun, kejayaan

sesuatu program itu terletak pada pihak penganjur.

Rujukan

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. (2018, September). Persidangan Pembangunan Pelajar

Peringkat Kebangsaan 2018. Presented at the Persidangan Pembangunan Pelajar

Peringkat Kebangsaan 2018, Dewan Sultan Iskandar Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.

What Are the Biggest Advantages Of Virtual Events? (2020, November 13). Retrieved

from Eventify website: https://eventify.io/what-are-the-biggest-advantages-of-virtual-

events/

COVID-19: Adapting to the New Norm in the Higher Education Institutions – Centre for

Corporate Communications. (2021, August 15). Retrieved August 15, 2021, from

www.ukm.my website: https://www.ukm.my/pkk/covid-19-adapting-to-the-new-norm-in-

the-higher-education-institutions/

40

CABARAN PERTANDINGAN PESTA PANTUN VIRTUAL: KAJIAN KES DI INAPAN SISWA UNIVERSITI UTARA MALAYSIA

Farrah Diba Mohd Fadzli

Pusat Pengajian Pengurusan Perniagaan, Universiti Utara Malaysia byfarrahdiba@gmail.com

Ahmad Subhi Zolkafly

Pusat Pengajian Pengkomputeran, Universiti Utara Malaysia subhizolkafly@gmail.com

Nur Izzati Liyana Azizan Pusat Pengajian Antarabangsa Universiti Utara Malaysia

nurizzat_liyana@yahoo.com

Abstrak

Pantun merupakan warisan melayu yang seringkali diperdengarkan terutamanya

didalam teks pengacara majlis atau didalam majlis keraian seperti majlis kenduri.

Walaubagaimanapun, warisan ini sering dilupakan terutamanya oleh generasi muda

masa kini. Oleh hal yang demikian, pesta pantun ini sering dijadikan pertandingan

oleh institut pendidikan tinggi (IPT) di Malaysia dalam usaha untuk memupuk minat

terhadap warisan ini. Walaubagaimanapun, selepas pandemik Covid-19 melanda

negara, pertandingan seumpama ini yang sering dijalankan secara bersemuka telah

dihentikan. Sehubungan itu, BSTRAKBiro Kebudayaan dan Kesenian (BKK) Inapan

Siswa (INASIS) Bank Rakyat mengambil pendekatan menganjurkan pertandingan

pesta pantun secara virtual dan melibatkan inapan siswa di Universiti Utara

Malaysia (UUM). Pertandingan yang dijalankan pada 15 Februari 2021 melalui

medium Cisco WeBex ini bertujuan untuk meningkatkan kualiti kemahiran mencipta

dan mendeklamasikan pantun secara spontan oleh para peserta pertandingan

secara maya. Selain itu, pertandingan ini juga telah meningkatkan tahap keyakinan

peserta dalam menghasilkan sebuah pantun yang indah dan matang dalam masa

yang singkat. Sebanyak 7 pasukan yang terlibat dalam program pantun ini dan

pertandingan ini telah mencapai objektif yang ditetapkan. Kertas kerja ini dihasilkan

untuk mengetengahkan cabaran pertandingan pantun ini melalui tiga dimensi yang

berbeza iaitu cabaran yang dihadapi oleh para peserta dalam menghasilkan pantun

secara berkumpulan, cabaran pemarkahan melalui kaedah penjurian dan juga

cabaran ahli jawatankuasa pertandingan.

41

Kata kunci: cabaran, pertandingan, pantun, virtual

PENGENALAN

Pertandingan pantun adalah satu perkara biasa yang dianjurkan oleh Institut

Pendidikan Tinggi (IPT) secara bersemuka. Namun, disebabkan oleh penularan

pandemik COVID-19 yang melanda seantero dunia, pertandingan seumpama ini perlu

diadakan secara virtual (alam maya). Selaras dengan semangat untuk

mengetengahkan adat melayu agar tidak lapuk ditelan zaman, Inapan Siswa (INASIS)

Bank Rakyat, Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) telah mengadakan pertandingan pantun

secara virtual. Sebanyak 7 pasukan yang bertanding dalam pertandingan tersebut dan

mereka mampu menonjolkan bakat tradisi kemelayuan dalam membina pantun yang

matang, indah dan penuh kesenian. Pertandingan pantun ini telah dijalankan di platfom

mesyuarat Cisco Webex dan ini merupakan kali pertama Universiti Utara Malaysia

(UUM) menganjurkan pertandingan seumpamanya. Selain itu, pertandingan ini juga

merupakan salah satu perkara yang baru bagi peserta-peserta yang pernah bertanding

kerana mengikut norma yang baharu.

Kertas kerja ini juga dihasilkan untuk mengetengahkan cabaran pertandingan pantun

secara virtual melalui tiga dimensi yang berbeza iaitu (1) cabaran yang dihadapi oleh

para peserta dalam menghasilkan pantun secara berkumpulan, (2) cabaran

pemarkahan melalui kaedah perjurian dan (3) cabaran ahli jawatankuasa pertandingan.

Terdapat tiga objektif dalam menjalankan program pantun ini iaitu (1) meningkatkan

kualiti kemahiran membuat pantun melalui sesi perkongsian di mana juri-juri berkongsi

sedikit tips dalam merangka pantun yang indah dan matang, (2) meningkatkan tahap

keyakinan peserta dalam pertandingan yang di tonton secara maya oleh orang ramai

serta (3)menghidupkan budaya pantun yang kian dilupakan dalam kalangan belia di

Malaysia. Kajian ini menjelaskan tentang bagaimana setiap orang yang terlibat dalam

pertandingan ini mengatasi halangan dan cabaran yang dihadapi semasa program ini

dijalankan. Pertandingan ini telah dijalankan pada 15 Februari 2021 dan telah berjaya

mencapai objektif yang disasarkan.

TINJAUAN LITERATUR

42

Pantun merupakan satu jenis puisi lama yang mempunyai ikatan berirama dan

mempunyai sebutan yang sama di hujungnya (Harun Mat Piah, 1989). Pantun ini telah

wujud sejak masyarakat melayu tidak tahu membaca atau menulis lagi. Menurut

Wilkinson dan Winstedt (1961), pemikiran orang-orang Melayu itu tidak akan dapat

diduga sekiranya tidak memahami pantunnya. Pantun diciptakan sebagai bentuk

ekspresi, selain tujuan menyindir, bercanda dan memberikan cadangan dan hiburan,

selain ianya juga dapat menyampaikan pemikiran dan perasaan tentang seseorang

atau sesuatu. Terdapat juga unsur sejarah, mitos dan lagenda yang pada waktunya

dapat menyumbang kepada kelestarian budaya masyarakat. Melalui pantun juga,

masyarakat dapat menilai tingkah laku sama ada ianya betul atau salah (Akmal, 2015).

Secara asalnya, pantun terdiri daripada dua baris ayat tetapi boleh juga dikumpulkan

menjadi empat, enam atau lapan baris (Thomas, 1985). Baris dalam pantun juga boleh

dikenali sebagai stanza dalam teori sastera. Ia mempunyai rima akhir yang mempunyai

polanya hujungnya seperti a-b-a-b dan a-a-a-a. Setiap rangkap pantun mempunyai dua

rangkap pembayang dan dua rangkap maksud. Mulanya, pantun merupakan sastra

lisan, namun sekarang pantun juga telah ditulis didalam buku-buku sastera.

Selain itu, pantun juga berfungsi sebagai hiburan. Namun, istilah hiburan yang

dimaksudkan di sini bukanlah hiburan yang terpesong dari ajaran agama Islam. Tetapi

hiburan yang dimaksudkan adalah untuk memenuhi keinginan asas manusia terhadap

pantun yang dicipta melalui pelbagai dimensi. Manusia secara fitrahnya mencintai

keindahan. Apabila mereka menikmati keindahan, mereka akan terhibur dan merasai

ketenangan. (Sung & Hussein, 2020).

Di samping itu, pantun bukan sekadar untuk hiburan, tetapi juga untuk mengemukakan

sesuatu yang serius. Contohnya seperti pantun nasihat yang dapat memberi

pengajaran dan memberi manfaat dalam memperteguhkan akal manusia. Kewujudan

pantun untuk memberi nasihat sangat bermanfaat kerana pantun nasihat pada asasnya

mempunyai ayat kiasan, di mana orang yang mendengar tidak akan berkecil hati serta

dapat mengelakkan salah faham.

43

KAEDAH PELAKSANAAN

Pertandingan Pantun Virtual Inter-INASIS ini telah dijalankan oleh Biro Kebudayaan

dan Kesenian (BKK) dari Inapan Siswa (INASIS) Bank Rakyat pada 15 Februari 2021.

Pertandingan ini dijalankan secara maya melalui platfom Webex. Pertandingan ini telah

berlangsung selama 3 jam bermula pada pukul 8:15 malam. Peserta pertandingan ini

terdiri daripada pelajar-pelajar dari Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) yang mewakili

INASIS masing-masing. Selain itu, Program pertandingan ini telah diadili oleh juri

jemputan daripada Negeri Sembilan, yang merupakan Aktivis Seni Berbahasa dan juga

pengarah Pusat Budaya dan Seni (PBS) UUM. Terdapat tujuh pasukan yang

bertanding mewakili INASIS masing-masing dan tiga pasukan telah berjaya dipilih

sebaga pemenang. Pertandingan ini dijalankan secara berkumpulan iaitu setiap

kumpulan diwakili oleh dua orang peserta dan pertandingan dijalankan secara kaedah

jual-beli daripada setiap pasukan untuk setiap pusingan dan menggunakan pendekatan

kalah-mati.

DAPATAN KAJIAN

CABARAN PESERTA

Hasil kajian mendapati bahawa bagi elemen cabaran yang dihadapi oleh para peserta

dalam menghasilkan pantun secara berkumpulan adalah masalah peserta untuk

berkomunikasi antara satu sama lain. Jika pertandingan ini diadakan secara

bersemuka, ia tidak menjadi suatu masalah untuk setiap pasukan berkomunikasi

sesama pasangan mereka. Namun, disebabkan program ini diadakan secara virtual,

ahli pasukan dilihat agak sukar untuk berkomunikasi dan berlatih sesama sendiri.

Selain itu, gaya persembahan pemantun juga agak terbatas kerana mereka hanya

dapat menonjolkan diri didalam skrin yang terbatas. Selain itu, peserta pertandingan

juga berdepan cabaran dari segi menghasilkan pantun mengikut ketetapan masa yang

diberikan kerana mereka perlu peka kepada jumlah masa yang diberikan. Selain itu,

antara cabaran-cabaran lain seperti masalah capaian kemudahan internet yang tidak

berkelajuan tinggi dan suasana yang tidak kondusif, terdapat juga peserta yang

menghadapi gangguan telekomunikasi sepanjang pertandingan ini berlangsung.

44

Tambahan pula, disebabkan pertandingan ini menggariskan pemantun untuk

berkerjasama dalam satu pasukan (dua pemantun untuk satu pasukan), terdapat

beberapa pasukan juga yang menghadapi kesulitan untuk mendapatkan ahli kumpulan

masing-masing. Kajian juga mendapati ramai pemantun yang ingin menyertai

pertandingan ini, namun disebabkan kekangan untuk mendapatkan ahli kumpulan,

mereka tidak dapat untuk menyertainya.

CABARAN JURI

Selain cabaran dari para peserta, para juri juga mempunya cabarannya yang tersendiri

antaranya ialah para juri berdepan dengan cabaran dari segi capaian internet. Cabaran

rangkaian internet ini terjadi disebabkan oleh gangguan penyediaan perkhidmatan dan

jumlah penggunaan internet yang tinggi disebabkan pertandingan ini dijalankan pada

waktu malam disebabkan tempoh masa yang agak panjang. Memang tidak dinafikan,

apabila sesuatu pertandingan diadakan secara virtual, cabaran capaian internet

merupakan suatu cabaran besar yang akan terjadi ditambah pula para juri tidak boleh

mematikan kamera mereka sepanjang pertandingan dijalankan. Disebabkan masalah

ini, juri tidak dapat mendengar pemantun mengetengahkan pantun daripada peserta

dengan jelas dan nyata. Selain itu juga, para juri juga menghadapi cabaran apabila

terdapat peserta yang menyampaikan pantunnya dengan nada suara yang perlahan.

Hal ini mungkin disebabkan oleh kekangan capaian internet atau penggunaan

peralatan audio yang digunakan oleh pemantun yang bermasalah.

Di samping itu juga, para juri mempunyai kesukaran untuk membuat penilaian kepada

setiap pasukan dalam masa yang singkat. Semasa pertandingan pantun dijalankan,

para juri perlu terus menilai pemantun dari segi penggunaan bahasa, gaya

persembanhan, kelantangan suara dan beberapa instrumen utama dalam kaedah

penjurian. Selain itu, diantara kekangan pihak juri adalah dari segi tempoh penilaian

permarkahan yang singkat. Para juri juga perlu memberi markah setelah peserta

mempersembahkan pantun mereka kepada pesaing bagi mengelakkan masa

pemarkahan yang terlalu lama yang akan menyebabkan pertandingan menjadi panjang

disebabkan pusingan tersebut mempunyai masa yang singkat untuk penilaian sebelum

memulakan pusingan seterusnya. Selain itu, pemarkahan ini penting untuk menentukan

pasukan manakah yang bakal mara ke pusingan seterusnya. Hal Ini telah

45

menyebabkan para juri sukar untuk benar-benar menilai pasukan yang mempunyai

pantun yang lebih matang dan indah.

CABARAN AHLI JAWATANKUASA

Selain penglibatan para peserta dan pihak juri, ahli jawatankuasa merupakan tulang

belakang setiap program yang dijalankan. Ahli jawatankuasa juga tidak terlepas

daripada menghadapi cabaran semasa program ini dijalankan. Antaranya cabaran

utamanya adalah kesukaran untuk mendapatkan peserta. Hal ini disebabkan setiap

pasukan perlu mempunyai dua (2) orang satu pasukan. Selain itu, terdapat juga peserta

yang berminat untuk memasuki pertandingan pantun secara virtual ini, namun

kebanyakan mereka kurang berkemahiran dan berkeyakinan dalam membina rangkap

pantun dalam masa yang singkat. Tambahan pula, pertandingan ini diadakan secara

langsung di mana setiap peserta perlu membuka kamera dan menghasilkan pantun

dalam masa 90 saat sahaja. Oleh hal yang demikian, kebanyakan peserta mempunyai

perasaan takut untuk menyertai pertandingan ini. Walaupun pertandingan ini telah

dihebah sebulan sebelum tarikh pertandingan, pencarian peserta dilihat satu cabaran

yang mencabar.

Selain itu, ahli jawatankuasa juga mempunyai cabaran dalam menerangkan peraturan-

peraturan pertandingan pantun ini kepada setiap pasukan. Disebabkan pertandingan

pantun ini diadakan secara virtual, kebanyakan pasukan mempunyai kekeliruan tentang

bagaimana pertandingan ini dijalankan kerana pertandingan seumpama ini merupakan

pertandingan yang julung-julung kali diadakan. Terdapat juga peserta yang pertama kali

memasuki pertandingan pantun ini dan tidak biasa dengan terma perkataan seperti ‗jual

beli‘ pantun dan seumpamanya. Selain daripada itu, terdapat tujuh pasukan yang telah

menyertai pertandingan ini dan penyusunan pasukan menjadi agak sukar kerana akan

terdapat pasukan yang akan menang tanpa bertanding. Disebabkan itu juga, terdapat

bantahan daripada pihak peserta yang tidak memahami akan peraturan yang telah

diterangkan oleh ahli jawatankuasa.

KESIMPULAN

46

Secara kesimpulannya, pertandingan pantun ini telah berjaya mencapai objektif yang

telah digariskan. Walaupun adat dan budaya ini semakin dilupakan, namun penganjur

berjaya mengetengahkan Kembali adat dan buadaya ini dalam kalangan belia yang

terdiri daripada penuntut di Institut Pendidikan Tinggi. Walaupun Malaysia berdepan

dengan ancaman pandemic Covid-19 yang telah menghadkan pertemuan secara

fizikal, pertandingan ini berjaya juga dijalankan. Mengikut pandangan juri, pertandingan

ini merupakan pertandingan yang julung kalinya dijalankan secara atas talian dan ini

telah membuka mata penonton dan peserta dalam mengetengahkan pertandingan

secara norma baharu. Dengan pendedahan tentang pertandingan pantun secara virtual

ini, Biro Kebudayaan dan Kesenian dari Inapan Siswa Bank Rakyat percaya bahawa

ramai orang sudah mula tertarik untuk mengadakan pertandingan secara atas talian

walaupun berdepan kesukaran dan cabaran untuk merealisasikannya. Harapan Biro

Kebudayaan dan Kesenian (BKK) adalah supaya UUM kerap melakukan pertandingan

seumpama ini agar dapat menarik minat para belia secara umumnya dan para pelajar

secara khasnya untuk berkarya dan mengetengahkan adat dan tradisi budaya Melayu.

CADANGAN

Pertandingan pantun secara atas talian ini perlu dilaksanakan pada waktu bukan

puncak bagi mengelakkan penggunaan frekuensi internet yang tinggi yang akan

menghalang para peserta untuk bertanding. Disamping itu juga, pertandingan ini

disaran untuk diadakan dalam masa yang lebih lama dan panjang selain menggunakan

pendekatan pertandingan secara liga. Selain itu, penganjur program juga mungkin

boleh menyediakan data internet kepada peserta atau juri yang terlibat supaya mereka

tiada masalah dalam mencapai rangkaian internet dan program yang dijalankan

berjalan dengan lancar.

47

RUJUKAN

Akmal. (2015). Kebudayaan melayu riau (Pantun,Syair,Gurindam). RISALAH, 26(4),

159-165. Diambil daripada http://ejournal.uin-

suska.ac.id/index.php/risalah/article/view/1283/1149

Erwina, E. (2011). Pantun dan fungsinya dalam kebudayaan masyarakat melayu

Sumatera Utara. Universitas Sumatera Utara Medan. Diambil daripada

http://www. etnomusikologiusu. com/uploads/1/8/0/0/1800340/

winamelaka2011.pdf

Piah, H. M. (1989). Puisi melayu tradisional. Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka.

Sung & Hussein (2020). Fungsi pantun melayu tradisional dilihat dari perspektif

budaya dan alam pemikiran masyarakat melayu. Puitika, 16(1), 1-28.

Thomas, P. (1985). Phonology and semantic suppression in malay pantun.

Wilkinson, R., & Windstedt, R. (1961). Pantun melayu. Singapura, Malaya Pub.

House.

48

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CALMING WEEKS ON MENTAL HEALTH AMONG UNIVERSITI UTARA MALAYSIA STUDENTS DURING PANDEMIC COVID-19

Soo Zhi Xin

School of Economic, Finance and Banking, Universiti Utara Malaysia

siviasoo99@gmail.com

Nur Izzati Liyana Binti Azizan School of International Studies, Universiti Utara Malaysia

nurizzat_liyana@yahhoo.com

Ahmad Subhi Bin Zolkafly School of Computing, Universiti Utara Malaysia

subhizolkafly@gmail.com

Abstract

On March 2020, World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 as a global

pandemic. This pandemic can also affect physical, mental, and psychological on

individuals as well as On March 2020, World Health Organization (WHO) declared

COVID-19 as a global pandemic. This pandemic can also affect physical, mental, and

psychological on individuals as well as society such as anxiety, sleep disorders,

emotional stress and will indirectly lead to mental health problems. Students, educators,

and parents have faced several problems as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. In

higher education, student mental health has become a growing problem. The COVID-

19 pandemic has pushed this vulnerable demographic back into the spotlight. Besides,

COVID-19 pandemic is also a period of upheaval for university students especially

vulnerable to these changes, and we are only now beginning to grasp the psychological

impacts physical distancing restrictions and isolation, and other life changes. Online

platforms and communities have become indispensable because so many families

have

never looked for digital solutions to support student learning. Unfortunately, the urgent

need for a virtual learning environment has also highlighted the inequality in resources,

access rights, and connectivity between different families and communities. Universiti

Utara Malaysia (UUM) students also faced a calming weeks‘ period (tempoh bertenang)

for a week due to the pandemic of COVID -19. The objective of this journal is there has

49

been relatively little concern voiced about the consequences on one's mental health or

prevention efforts.

Keywords: COVID-19, Pandemic, Effectiveness, Calming weeks, Mental Health

Introduction

This research is about ‗The Effectiveness of Calming Weeks on Mental Health Among

Universiti Utara Malaysia Students During Pandemic Covid-19‘. It is to identify whether

seven days of the calming weeks is enough to overcome this mental health issue

among students. Through this survey, we can know about the students satisfaction

whether they are satisfied or not with the calming week in a short period given. Besides,

we can know the factor that students are facing during this pandemic.

Pandemic Covid-19 (Corona virus) recently identified as an infectious illness. According

to World Health Organization (2021), most persons who had been infected with this

COVID-19 virus will have mild to moderate respiratory symptoms and will recover

without needing any therapy. Previously, the infected persons will show symptoms of

infections and we can easily detected if the persons is infected but nowadays, this virus

has mutated and can be in a human body without any symptoms. When it happens, the

infected person may be in a serious condition or lead to death. This also can lead to a

mental health issue.

Mental health is an indispensable and important part of our health. Happiness is a

condition of mental wellness. Individuals who are conscious of their talents can manage

with regular life demands, work productively, and contribute to the community. From this

issue, Universiti Utara Malaysia(UUM) had imposed the calming weeks that aim to give

students time in managing their emotion during the pandemic. This is important in order

to help students reducing their stresses so that they can focus on their studies during

this pandemic period and avoid from a mental health issue because when students‘

mental health is affected, it will indirectly affect their learning ability and their

examination grades.

Background

50

COVID 19 pandemic has generally increased the level on mental health among

community including the students. In Universiti Utara Malaysia, it‘s also affects student

learning in terms of lack of motivation and their concentration during their online class.

Due to that, UUM has decided that teaching and learning (TnL) and assessment date

based on the academic calendar for the undergraduates‘ students need to be changed

and the UUM Management decided to impose one week off for calming week or known

as ‗tempoh bertenang‘ starting from 13th until 19th June 2021. The notice from The

Deputy Vice-Chancellor‘s Office (Academic and International) UUM regarding the

academic calendar is shown in figure 1 below.

Figure 1 : Academic Calendar for Second Semester 2020/2021 (A202), Undergraduate Program Universiti Utara Malaysia

51

Objective

This paper objective is to surveys on the effectiveness of calming weeks on mental

health among UUM students during pandemic Covid-19.

Literature Review

Covid-19 is a novel coronavirus that newly identified and first reported in Wuhan, China

during year 2019. Based on the report, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERSCoV) are zoonotic diseases

suspected to have originated from snakes, bats, and pangolins in the Wuhan wet

markets, and the COVID-19 virus now belongs to the same family (World Health

Organization, 2021). The virus has quickly spread throughout the world, infecting many

individuals, and killing a number of them especially those who are aged or fragile. SARS-

CoV-2 is a beta coronavirus that belongs to the Sarbecovirus subgenus. The World

Health Organization declared a pandemic on March 12, 2020 due to the global spread

of SARS-CoV-2 and thousands of deaths caused by coronavirus illness (Taylor &

Francis,2021). Because of this pandemic, many industries have been affected. Our

country‘s economy graphs also begun to decline gradually. In addition, students are

also affected as they need to apply a new norm of education by using online learning as

a medium rather than face to face interaction classes.

When the environment changes, people tend to feel uncomfortable and unsafe. When

this virus become an infectious illness pandemic without knowing the origin,

development, and consequences of this illness, rumors are spread and closed minds

developed. People's reactions to fear and intolerance of uncertainty result in poor

societal outcomes. Uncertainty heightens emotions of apprehension, leading to actions

aimed at decreasing uncontrollable events that individuals fear. People have been

spotted emptying shop shelves, resulting in worldwide food and basic shortages

(Pfefferbaum, 2020; Cullen, W., Gulati, G., & Kelly, B, 2020).

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, students‘ lives are affected in various ways, not only

depending on their level and field of study, but also on their position in the curriculum.

Those who move from one stage of education to another, such as those from school to

52

university or from higher education to work, facing a unique obstacle. Even those in the

plan will worry until they have a clear understanding of how their curriculum and

assessment system will be restored after the crisis. Many students in the COVID-19

cohort worry that they may face a long-term disadvantage when receiving a higher level

of education or entering the labor market compared to students who are studying

―normally‖. Although the remote learning methods for primary (primary) and post-

secondary education are obviously different, the skills department plan needs specific

consideration. It is feasible to provide the practical training they want through distance

learning, but this requires specific arrangements (Daniel, S, 2021).

Although a lot of previous studies looked at the influence of the pandemic on people's

mental health, but there are lack of research that focus on the effectiveness of calming

week and the relation on mental health university students in Malaysia.

Methodology

In achieving the objective, quantitative data using online survey was conducted among

the students in UUM. Quantitative is a term that refers to a set of techniques for

systematically investigating social issues using statistical or numerical data. As a result,

quantitative research entails measurement and presupposes that the phenomena under

investigation can be quantified. Its goal is to look for trends and correlations in data and

to double-check the measurements performed.

Result and Discussion

Aliaga and Gunderson (2002), have described quantitative research is an inquiry into a

social problem, explain phenomena by gathering numerical data that are analyzed.

Based on the analysis, below are the result based on the surveys toward UUM

students. The survey consists of three major fractions. First are based on student

background question, second are regarding level of mental health of students and the

effectiveness of calming week. The last one is based on students‘ suggestion. However,

due to time constraints, the number of students are limited and minimal. There are only

62 participants that give the feedback from the survey and the results are listed below.

53

Profile

Figure 2: Gender

Based on the figure 2, the percentage that had been made by the researcher, there are

71 percent of female compared to male that is only 29 percent because majority of the

students in UUM were female.

Figure 3: Age

Figure 3 are based on ages that had been divided to three categories. First are students

that ages below than 20 years old, then 21 until 31 years old and the third category is

student above 31 years old. The highest percent were 95. 2 percent which is 59 of

students who are age 21 until 30. This is because mostly second years‘ student are in

between of these ages. Based on the result, only 3 of the students who are age above

31 and none of them are under ages of 20.

54

Figure 4: Students Residential Hall (INASIS)

Based on Figure 4, there are 15 INASIS as mentioned including INASIS

Maybank that are focused on postgraduate student and others. The main three

highest are participants form Bank Rakyat Students Residential Hall (40.3%),

11.3% from Bank Muamalat Student Residential Hall and 8.1% from Grant

Student Residential Hall.

55

Figure 5: Field of Study

In UUM, there are three main college or school such as College of Law,

Government and International Studies (COLGIS), College of Business (COB)

and College of Arts and Sciences (CAS). Based on the survey, there are 50

percent of respondents which is 31 of respondents are from COB, 12.9 percent

which is 8 students are from CAS and 37.1 percent which is 23 of respondents

are from COLGIS.

Figure 6: Semester of studies

From this survey we can know that most of the students who answer this survey

is at semester 8 which is 62.9 percent out of 62 respondents, and 12.9 percent

respectively from students who are in semester 6 and semester 2.

Figure 7: Degree

56

Figure 7 has stated that there are 91.9 percent of students who are in

undergraduates degree and 8.1 percent of the students who are in postgraduate

degree that had answer the survey.

Figure 8: Race

In this survey, there are 67.7 percent of respondents are Malay, 24.2 percent of

respondents are Chinese and there are a few numbers of Indian students and

others races of the respondents.

Figure 9: Religion

There are 71 percent (44 respondents) religion were Islam, 24.2 percent (15

respondents) were Buddha and 4.8 percent of the respondents are Hindu.

57

Figure 10: The level of mental health

Besides background, this survey had been made to measure the level of mental

health among students in UUM. Based on the figure 10, the highest of the level

of mental health of students were 22.6 percent in grade 6 which is 14 of the

respondents. Grade 8 is the second highest that shown at this figure, as there

are 13 of respondents (21 percent) who are facing with these issues. However,

there are two grades that have a similar amount of the respondents which is in

grade 7 and 10. From the numbers, it can be concluded that most of the

students are facing mental health problem.

Figure 11: Hard to concentrate during online class

Due to Pandemic Covid-19, there are many difficulties that faced by students.

One of the difficulties are hard to concentrate during online class. Based on the

figure above there are 15 of respondents agreed with this statement with the

grade of 8. Besides, there are 10 out of 62 of the respondents who are strongly

agree that difficult to concentrate during the online class. There are few

numbers of students who are disagree with this statement.

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Figure 12: Lack of motivation

Lack of motivation is a sign of sadness and can also affect your mental health. If

you're having trouble coping with a problem in your life or going through anything

that's affecting your self- confidence, you could be lacking motivation. There are

50 of respondents who are agree that they will lack of motivation during the

online class. In addition, there are 8 respondents who stand neutral and 4 of the

respondents disagree with this statement.

Figure 13: Anxiety

A body's natural response to stress is anxiety. It's a sense of dread or

foreboding about what's to come. Based on the figure above, the students

agreed that they are facing with anxiety. There are 43 of respondents who

agreed with this statement, 7 respondents who are stand in neutral and 12

respondents who disagree with this statement.

59

Figure 14: Cooling off period (Minggu Bertenang)

In the survey, the researcher is trying to relate regarding the effectiveness of

cooling period and student mental health. So, based on the survey in figure 14,

there are 62.9 percent of respondents which are 39 of them who feel that one

week cooling off period is enough for them. However, there are 37.1 percent of

students which is 23 of respondents who feel that is not enough for them.

Figure 15: Cooling off period

There are 76.7 percent of the respondents from 23 respondents from the

previous question said that the cooling off period need to extend to 2 weeks only

for them and 10 percent of them feel that need to extend for 3 weeks. Some of

60

the postgraduate students feels that it needs to postpone semester for

postgraduate students.

Figure 16 : Suggestions

For the last survey, there is a question that is regarding students‘ suggestions

so that the management of the UUM can take action or attention to reduced

mental health among students. As a conclusion, there are suggestion that

students should not be burden by a lot of task and assignment in the same time

so it can reduce their stress and they can focus on their final examination. As a

student, their emotional was disturbed because of the pandemic. Besides, they

also need moral support and motivation from their lecturer or trained counselors.

In the other hand, students had been suggested that lecturer should have

different method during the class. For example, can use whiteboard or any

written method instead off reading slides only. The test, quiz and examination

should have only based on what the lecturers taught and slides. If possible,

lecturer should have a very clear voice and organized teaching material instead

off go to other topics or talking out of topics and must mentioned today‘s target

teaching so that students can have a very clear explanation instead of long and

unnecessary lectures would made students less concentrated.

Mental health is a serious issue among students. Staying in the campus during

pandemic without not allowed them to go anywhere is one of the causes arisen.

UUM also can organize an online program or activity that helps students to

61

improve their mental health. Areas of affection impact is required. Besides,

university management must focus mental health on postgraduate students

also. They are stress because in one year they undergo 3 semesters compared

to undergraduate students and they still have to paid even during this pandemic.

In addition, they implore the university to have a better solution on this issue.

Some of the students feel that cooling off period is most needed time to students

and should be continuously exist in every semester during this pandemic.

There are also some students feels that the calming week is very helpful. This

is because, they stated that this calming week can help them to manage their

mental health problems in completing their final assignments of the semester.

During this pandemic, students are given a lot of assignments and need to

complete immediately. To some extent, this initiative can help students in

completing their assignments in a more orderly manner with a relaxing break

during the organized time.

Conclusion

As a conclusion, mental health is an issue that needs attention. This problem

needs to be solved because poor mental health can lead to a poor physical

health or harmful behavior. Based on the survey, most of the female are involve

in these issues. There are 91.9 percent of students their level of mental health is

more than grade 5. This data shown that there are many students who are

facing the mental health problem during this Covid-19 pandemic. Besides, they

also feel that is very difficult to concentrate during online classes due to the

environment of their study and also from the other reasons this decreased their

motivation. Moreover, there are 80.65 percent of students are having anxiety

during the online class. According to the survey, many students mentioned that

they have many assignments, tasks, and quizzes that need to be completed

during online classes compare to physical classes. Besides, they also stated

that the due date for the assignment and quiz were clash with other courses and

they felt that their time were packed and rushed, and this led to anxiety. In order

to reduce the level of mental health of students, all parties such as lecturers,

counselors and management in UUM need to mobilize energy and play a role to

help students in reducing the mental health problem. Counseling information

should be provided to the student that are having difficulties during this

62

pandemic Covid-19 outbreaks. Besides, calming week (tempoh bertenang) is

seen as an excellent initiative to help students who are emotionally, mentally, and

physically exhausted during this outbreak.

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PENGURUSAN PELAJAR DI KOLEJ KEDIAMAN UTHM KAMPUS PAGOH SEPANJANG FASA PERTAMA PERINTAH KAWALAN PERGERAKAN

(PKP)

Shaiful Fadzil Zainal Abidin

Izuan Amin Ishak

Dalila Mohd Harun

Khairu Kamarudin

Md Norrizam Mohmat Ja’at Kolej Kediaman Pagoh 3,

Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (Kampus Pagoh)

Abstrak

Pandemik COVID-19 telah memberi kesan yang besar kepada pelbagai aspek di

seluruh dunia termasuk dalam bidang pengurusan pelajar di institusi pengajian

tinggi. Tidak terkecuali, di Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia pada tanggal 13

Mac 2020, merupakan detik keramat apabila dikejutkan dengan kes pertama

COVID-19 yang membabitkan staf akademik. Sejumlah 138 orang pelajar

dikenalpasti sebagai kontak rapat telah diasingkan dan dikuarantin selama 14

hari di stesen kuarantin yang disediakan oleh pihak pengurusan kolej kediaman.

Bagi mengekang penularan wabak ini, satu jawatankuasa khas di peringkat

universiti dan kolej dibentuk bagi mengkaji prosedur operasi standard bagi

pelajar yang dikuarantin dan pelajar yang tidak dikuarantin. Sebanyak 8 orang

pelajar yang positif COVID-19 daripada ujian calitan pertama diasingkan dan

dihantar ke hospital untuk rawatan lanjut. Pengesanan kontak rapat dibuat

secara aktif dengan dan pengasingan pelajar dibuat bagi memutus rantaian

jangkitan. Kesemua pelajar yang dikuarantin dibebaskan dari rumah kuarantin

pada hari ke 14 selepas didapati bebas dari jangkitan pada ujian calitan kedua.

Langkah pantas pihak pengurusan kolej dan pusat kesihatan universiti dalam

melaksanakan pengesanan kontak rapat, pengasingan dan pamantauan yang

terperinci berjaya mengekang penularan wabak ini di kalangan warga kolej

kediaman.

Kata Kunci: COVID-19, kolej kediaman, kuarantin, universiti

66

Pendahuluan

Coronavirus adalah satu keluarga besar virus yang menyebabkan jangkitan

saluran pernafasan seperti Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) dan

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-related Coronavirus (MERS-CoV).

Coronavirus terbaharu dan menjadi pandemik di seluruh dunia kini dikenali

sebagai Novel Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) [1]. COVID-19 telah mula dikesan

di negara China dengan kes pertama disahkan pada 7 Januari 2020 di Wuhan,

wilayah Hubei, China. Dalam tempoh tiga minggu seterusnya, kes-kes disahkan

di Thailand, Nepal, Amerika Syarikat, Korea Selatan, Singapura, Perancis,

Vietnam, Malaysia, Australia, Canada, Cambodia, Sri Lanka dan Jerman [2].

Kes pertama di Malaysia disahkan pada 25 Januari 2020.

Sehingga kini, penyakit COVID19 masih lagi menular di Malaysia. Kes pertama

pandemik COVID-19 yang pada mulanya dilaporkan di Wuhan dipercayai

bahawa penularan virus ini berpunca daripada sumber jangkitan dari pasar

borong makanan laut [3]. Virus ini juga telah menular dengan kadar yang tinggi

dan telah menjangkiti penduduk di setiap benua kecuali Antartika, dimana

penularan virus ini diishtihar dan dikategorikan sebagai pandemik oleh World

Health Organization (WHO) [4]. Selain COVID-19, dunia telah mengalami

beberapa pandemik dalam abad yang sama, iaitu H1N1 pada tahun 2009, polio

pada tahun 2014, Ebola di Afrika Barat pada tahun 2014, Zika pada tahun 2016,

dan kini COVID-19, dimana ia telah diumumkan sebagai kecemasan kesihatan

awam global yang ke-6 oleh WHO [5]. Kes dan kematian harian COVID-19 yang

semakin meningkat telah menyebabkan penutupan aktiviti ekonomi dan sekatan

pergerakkan di seluruh dunia [6]. Pada 25 Januari 2020, Menteri Kesihatan

Malaysia telah mengesahkan kes pertama COVID-19 di Malaysia yang

membabitkan tiga warga China yang memasuki negara melalui pintu masuk

Johor dari Singapura. Pada 5 Februari pula, seorang wanita rakyat Malaysia

menjadi kes pertama penularan tempatan yang memberi maksud bahawa virus

tersebut sudah berada di komuniti. Pandemik COVID-19 juga telah dianggap

sebagai bencana kesihatan global yang paling utama pada waktu kini dan

dikategori sebagai antara cabaran terbesar yang dihadapi manusia sejak

Perang dunia ke-2 [5]. Pada tanggal 13 Mac 2020, UTHM dikejutkan dengan kes

pertama yang membabitkan staf universiti. Kes ini merupakan kes indeks yang

67

mendapat jangkitan daripada kluster perhimpunan di Masjid Sri Petaling.

Beberapa hari sebelum disahkan positif COVID-19, individu tersebut telah

menjalankan rutin harian biasa sebagai seorang staf akademik di universiti.

Pada 14 Mac 2020, Pusat Kesihatan Daerah Muar, Pusat Kesihatan Universiti,

pengurusan Kolej Kediaman Pagoh (KKP) dan Bahagian Keselamatan UTHM

Kampus Pagoh telah membuat pengesanan kontak rapat yang dikaitkan dengan

kes indeks tersebut. Sejumlah 138 orang pelajar telah dikenalpasti sebagai

kontak rapat telah disaring dan diasingkan di rumah kuarantin yang disediakan

di stesen kuarantin kolej kediaman pada hari yang sama. Pelbagai initiatif dan

pengurusan telah di lakukan dalam usaha mengekang penularan wabak

COVID-19.

Penubuhan Stesen Kuarantin Kolej Kediaman

Pusat Penempatan Pelajar

Dalam usaha mengekang penularan wabak COVID-19, individu yang

mempamerkan gejala dikenakan perintah kuarantin wajib di stesen kuarantin

yang telah ditetapkan oleh kerajaan, berdasarkan peruntukan di bawah seksyen

15(1) Akta Pencegahan dan Pengawalan Penyakit Berjangkit 1988 [Akta 342].

Stesen kuarantin merupakan tempat pengasingan dan pemerhatian kesihatan

yang telah diwartakan dan diperuntukkan di bawah akta yang sama, termasuk

hotel-hotel atau mana-mana premis lain yang ditentukan oleh kerajaan. Kolej

kediaman Pagoh juga merupakan salah satu pusat kuarantin yang telah

diwartakan oleh kerajaan. Justeru, segala isu isu atau perkara yang melibat-

kan kebajikan pihak yang di kuarantin harus dititik beratkan bagi menjamin

kesihatan pesakit berada di dalam keadaan yang terbaik.

Penubuhan Pusat Kuarantin

Kemuncak COVID-19 gelombang pertama bermula pada pertengahan bulan

Mac 2020. Sehubungan dengan itu, kolej kediaman pelajar UTHM Pagoh telah

menjadi pusat penempatan pelajar yang dikuarantin dan tidak dikuarantin di

mana, individu yang mempamerkan gejala COVID-19 dikenakan perintah

kuarantin wajib di stesen kuarantin yang telah ditetapkan. Perbincangan

terperinci penubuhan pusat ini telah diadakan pada 15 March 2020 di bangunan

pengurusan kolej kediaman. Perbincangan ini diketuai oleh Timbalan Naib

68

Canselor UTHM Hal Ehwal Pelajar dan Alumni (TNCHEPA) disertai oleh

Pengarah Pusat Kesihatan Universiti, wakil Pejabat Kesihatan Universiti (PKU)

Kampus Pagoh, barisan pengetua dan felo serta staf pentadbiran kolej. Kolej

Kediaman Pelajar UTHM Pagoh juga telah dijadikan salah satu pusat kuarantin

yang telah diwartakan oleh kerajaan [8]. Sejumlah 277 pelajar (176 pelajar lelaki

dan 101 pelajar perempuan), telah ditempatkan di stesen kuarantin KKP.

Pelajar-pelajar telah ditempatkan mengikut beberapa kategori iaitu pelajar yang

dikuarantin, pelajar yang tidak dikuarantin dan pelajar yang positif COVID19.

Sebanyak em- pat blok telah diperuntukan untuk pelajar yang dikuarantin iaitu

blok A10, A13, A14 dan A18 seperti yang ditunjukkan di Rajah 1. Pengurusan

kolej juga telah menyediakan dua rumah khas dikenali sebagai rumah ‗Person

under Investigation‘ (PUI) iaitu di blok A18, bagi menempatkan pelajar-pelajar

yang bergejala seperti demam, batuk dan selsema. Pelajar-pelajar tersebut

dipantau dengan rapi oleh pihak PKU. Sebanyak 8 buah bilik di blok A13 telah

digunakan untuk menempatkan pelajar yang telah sembuh dari jangkitan

COVID19. Jumlah maksimum pelajar di sebuah rumah adalah sebanyak 8

orang pelajar sahaja, di mana setiap bilik hanya dihuni oleh 2 orang dengan

prosedur operasi standard yang ketat termasuk pemakaian pelitup muka dan

penjarakan sosial.

Rajah 1. Stesen kuarantin di Kolej Kediaman UTHM Kampus Cawangan Pagoh

Pusat Pengumpulan dan Agihan Sumbangan

69

Kolej Kediaman Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) Kampus Pagoh

telah dijadikan stesen kuarantin bagi pelajar-pelajar yang masih kekal di kolej

bagi membendung penularan COVID-19 pada 16 Mac 2020. Sejak itu, pelbagai

sumbangan mula diterima dari pihak university, syarikat persendirian dan badan

bukan kerajaan. Sumbangan juga diterima dari staf UTHM sendiri serta dari

orang ramai dan masyarakat setempat. Sumbangan yang diberikan adalah

dalam bentuk wang tunai dan barangan keperluan bagi pelajar yang berada di

kolej kediaman. Semasa Perintah Kawalan Pergerakan (PKP) bermula, pelajar

tidak dibenarkan keluar dari kolej kediaman untuk membeli barangan keperluan

masing-masing. Demi menjaga kebajikan setiap pelajar, dengan menggunakan

sumbangan yang diterima dari pelbagai pihak ianya membolehkan pihak

pengurusan kolej membelikan dan menyediakan barangan keperluan kepada

pelajar.

Kaedah Pengagihan Bekalan Makanan dan Keperluan Pelajar

Pengurusan makanan di pusat kuarantin Kolej Kediaman Pagoh telah

dikategorikan kepada 2 kumpulan pelajar iaitu, kumpulan pelajar yang di

kuarantin selepas melalui saringan kesihatan oleh Pejabat Kesihatan Daerah

Muar dan kumpulan pelajar yang sedia ada di kolej kediaman dan yang tidak

melalui proses saringan kesihatan. Kaedah pengurusan makanan tersebut

adalah seperti yang dinyatakan di dalam Jadual 1.

Jadual 1. Kaedah pengurusan makanan pelajar

KATEGORI PELAJAR

KAEDAH KUARANTIN BUKAN KUARANTIN

Pembungkusan

Makanan oleh

Katerer

Setiap katerer melabelkan

setiap bungkusan

makanan berdasarkan

kuantiti dan maklumat no.

rumah yang diberikan oleh

petugas

Katerer akan melabelkan

kuantiti pelajar pada setiap

bungkusan makanan

berdasarkan kuantiti pelajar

yang masih menginap di

blok-blok kolej kediaman.

Penghantaran

Bekalan oleh

Katerer

Katerer akan menghantar

bungkusan makanan di

Bilik Gerakan (Pejabat

KKP3).

Katerer menghantar bekalan

makanan di setiap lokasi

blok kediaman mengikut

jadual bekalan makanan.

70

Penerimaan

Bekalan

Makanan

Petugas akan memeriksa

kuantiti dan bekalan menu

yang ditempah

berdasarkan jadual

tempahan yang telah

diberikan kepada katerer.

Sekiranya terdapat

kesilapan atau kerosakan

bekalan makanan, pihak

katerer perlu menukar

semula dengan bekalan

baru sebelum agihan

makanan dibuat.

Petugas dikalangan

sukarelawan yang dilantik

oleh kolej kediaman akan

memeriksa kuantiti dan

bekalan menu yang

ditempah berdasarkan

jadual tempahan yang telah

diberikan kepada katerer.

Sekiranya terdapat

kesilapan, kekurangan atau

kerosakan bekalan

makanan, pihak katerer

perlu menukar semula

dengan bekalan baru

sebelum agihan makanan

dibuat.

Agihan

makanan

Pihak PKU akan

membantu mengagihkan

bekalan makanan kepada

pelajar-pelajar kuarantin di

setiap rumah.

Pihak sukarelawan akan

membantu agihan bekalan

makanan kepada setiap

pelajar berdasarkan senarai

semak penerimaan bekalan

makanan.

Pengambilan

makanan

Pelajar kuarantin perlu

menunggu di dalam rumah

kuarantin masing-masing

semasa pihak PKU

menghantar bekalan

makanan Setiap pelajar

kuarantin juga perlu

mematuhi SOP

pencegahan sebelum dan

selepas berurusan dengan

pihak PKU.

Setiap pelajar mengambil

bekalan makanan di aras

bawah blok kediaman yang

telah dimaklumkan kepada

pelajar bukan kuarantin

dengan mematuhi SOP

pencegahan wabak iaitu

mengamalkan penjarakkan

fizikal dan memakai pelitup

muka.

71

Pusat Saringan Kesihatan

Selain daripada menjadi pusat penempatan pelajar dan pusat pengumpulan

serta agihan sumbangan, Pusat Kuarantin Kampus Pagoh juga menjadi pusat

saringan kontak rapat positif COVID-19. Melalui kerjasama PKD Muar, Johor,

dan pengurusan kolej kediaman telah bersetuju menjadikan kawasan kolej

kediaman menjadi pusat sementara saringan kontak rapat pesakit positif

COVID-19 seperti yang dipaparkan pada Rajah 2. Pihak PKD telah menjalankan

ujian saringan ini kepada semua pelajar dan kakitangan UTHM yang mana telah

dikenalpasti mempunyai kontak rapat dengan pesakit COVID- 19.

Rajah 2. Pusat saringan kesihatan untuk pelajar dan staf UTHM

Pengurusan Pelajar di Kolej Kediaman Sepanjang Perintah Kawalan

Pergerakan PKP

Saringan Kesihatan

Susulan dari perkembangan kes pertama di Universiti Tun Hussein Onn

Malaysia Kampus Cawangan Pagoh, pihak pengurusan tertinggi universiti

mengambil langkah proaktif bagi mengekang penularan COVID-19 di kalangan

staf dan pelajar dengan mengishtiharkan penutupan seluruh premis di kampus

dan kolej kediaman. Semua staf pentadbiran, pengurusan dan staf akademik

kampus diarahkan untuk bekerja dari rumah serta merta dan kesemua pelajar

diminta untuk berada di dalam kolej dan dinasihatkan untuk pulang ke kampung

72

halaman bagi mereka yang bukan dari kategori kontak rapat. Pusat Kesihatan

Daerah (PKD) Muar yang diketuai oleh Dr. Mohd Ridzuan bin Mohd Lutpi,

Pegawai Epidemiologi Pejabat Kesihatan Daerah Muar, dibantu oleh Pusat

Kesihatan Universiti (PKU) dan pengurusan kolej kediaman, mengadakan ujian

saringan kesihatan terhadap semua individu yang dipercayai menjadi kontak

rapat kepada kes indeks

Rajah 3. Pusat saringan COVID-19 yang dikendalikan oleh Pusat Kesihatan

Daerah Muar

Ujian saringan swab dilakukan bertempat di luar dewan A9, Kolej Kediaman

UTHM Pagoh bermula dari 15 Mac 2020 sehingga 18 Mac 2020 seperti di Rajah

3. Sekurang- kurangnya 138 orang pelajar dan 50 orang staf UTHM telah

melakukan saringan kesihatan dan ujian swab mengikut jadual yang telah

ditetapkan oleh PKD Muar. Kepu- tusan ujian swab akan mengambil masa 24

sehingga 48 jam bergantung kepada keupayaan makmal ujian pada satu-satu

masa.

Semua pelajar yang menjalani saringan kesihatan dan ujian swab dikuarantin

wajib selama 14 hari di rumah-rumah kuarantin yang disediakan di dalam kolej

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kediaman. Bagi pelajar-pelajar yang bergejala, mereka diasingkan di rumah

kuaratin khas dan dipantau sepenuhnya oleh PKU. Pihak PKU membuat

pemeriksaan harian berkala bagi memastikan pelajar-pelajar yang dikuarantin

dalam keadaan sihat dari segi mental dan fizikal. Pelajar yang disahkan positif

COVID-19 melalui ujian swab yang dibuat diasingkan ke rumah kuarantin khas

sementara dan terus dibawa ke hospital oleh PKD Muar untuk rawatan susulan.

Sepanjang tempoh kuarantin, kesihatan pelajar dipantau dengan teliti oleh pihak

PKU. Bahagian pengurusan kolej kediaman dan barisan felo merupakan barisan

petugas hadapan yang membantu pihak PKU dari segala aspek pengurusan

bukan kesihatan termasuk menyediakan segala kemudahan dan keperluan yang

diperlukan oleh pelajar sepanjang tempoh tersebut. Ini termasuk barangan

keperluan mandian, kebersihan diri, makanan tambahan, buah-buahan dan lain-

lain. Selain da- ripada itu, status terkini setiap pelajar yang dikuarantin dan tidak

dikuarantin direkod- kan setiap hari dan pemantauan terhadap keberadaan

pelajar di sekitar kawasan kolej dilalukan secara berkala pada setiap hari. Data-

data tersebut amat penting untuk baha- gian pengurusan dan keselamatan kolej

bagi mengekang penularan COVID-19 di kalangan pelajar mahupun di kalangan

staf universiti.

Saringan kesihatan dan ujian swab kedua dilakukan pada hari yang ke-13

dalam tempoh kuarantin wajib 14 hari untuk mengesahkan pelajar bebas dari

jangkitan COVID-19. Sekali lagi pihak PKD Muar, PKU dan Pengurusan Kolej

Kediaman menyediakan pusat ujian di dalam kolej kediaman yang bertempat di

blok A9 dari 24 Mac 2020 sehingga 26 Mac 2020. Kesemua pelajar yang

dikuarantin dan staf yang terlibat dengan saringan pertama hadir untuk

melakukan ujian untuk kali yang kedua. Hasil ujian mendapati keseluruhan

pelajar yang dikuarantin didapati negatif dari COVID-19 dan mereka dibebaskan

dari rumah-rumah kuarantin keesokan harinya selepas mendapat pelepasan

bertulis dari pihak PKD Muar.

Bagi pelajar yang tidak dikuarantin, mereka ditempatkan di blok-blok kolej

kediaman yang berasingan dengan blok kuarantin. Setiap pelajar perlu

mematuhi segala prosedur operasi standard yang ditetapkan oleh pihak

universiti berdasarkan garis panduan yang disediakan oleh Majlis Keselamatan

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Negara (MKN) dan Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia (KKM) sepanjang tempoh

PKP. Pusat Kesihatan Universiti yang bertempat di blok A5 beroperasi selama

24-jam sehari sepanjang tempoh tersebut untuk memastikan tahap kesihatan

pelajar berada dalam keadaan yang terbaik. Pihak pengurusan kolej juga telah

menyediakan bilik gerakan di pejabat pengurusan kolej masing-masing dan

berfungsi sebagai bilik gerakan untuk urusan kebajikan pelajar sepanjang

tempoh tersebut.

Stesen Kuarantin

Secara kronologinya, kes positif pertama COVID-19 di UTHM telah dicatatkan

pada 13 Mac 2020 iaitu tarikh di mana suspek pertama iaitu staf akademik di

UTHM telah disahkan positif wabak COVID-19. Sejurus dengan itu, pada 14

Mac 2020, perbincangan bersama di antara Pihak Pengurusan Kolej bersama-

sama Pusat Kesihatan Universiti (PKU), Pusat Kesihatan Daerah (PKD) dan

Unit Keselamatan UTHM telah memutuskan untuk menyediakan bilik kuarantin

di Kolej Kediaman Pagoh memandangkan mangsa kes positif tersebut telah

mempunyai pertemuan rapat dengan pelajar-pelajar UTHM Kampus Pagoh

sebelum disahkan positif COVID-19. Pada jam 7 petang pada hari yang sama,

kesemua pelajar yang dikategorikan sebagai rapat dengan mangsa kes positif

COVID-19 telah dikuarantin secara rasminya. Pada 16 Mac 2020, pihak UTHM

telah mengeluarkan kenyataan rasmi yang menyarankan agar pelajar-pelajar

lain yang tidak dikuarantin agar pulang ke kampung halaman masing-masing

dengan kadar segera.Secara keseluruhannya, sejumlah 277 orang pelajar

termasuk 176 orang pelajar lelaki dan 101 orang pelajar perempuan berada di

dalam kawasan Kolej Kediaman Pagoh pada ketika itu. Sejajar dengan saranan

yang dikeluarkan oleh pihak atasan UTHM agar pelajar yang tidak dikuarantin

pulang ke kampung halaman masing-masing, jumlah ini adalah jauh dari

kapasiti sebenar pelajar-pelajar di UTHM Kampus Pagoh yang secara amnya

melebihi dari 3000 orang pelajar. Dari keseluruhan jumlah yang masih berada di

kolej kediaman pada ketika itu, seramai 176 orang pelajar adalah dari Fakulti

Teknologi Kejuruteraan (FTK), 57 orang pelajar dari Pusat Pengajian Diploma

(PPD), 45 orang pelajar dari Fakulti Sains Gunaan dan Teknologi (FAST) dan 1

orang lagi dari Fakulti Pengurusan Teknologi dan Perniagaan (FPTP). Pecahan

pelajar-pelajar yang wajib dikuarantin dan tidak kuarantin pula adalah agak

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setara iaitu sejumlah 138 dan 139 orang pelajar masing-masing. Bagi pelajar-

pelajar tidak dikuarantin, kebanyakan dari mereka adalah terdiri daripada

pelajar-pelajar yang kampung halaman-nya jauh dari Pagoh iaitu terdiri dari

mereka yang berasal dari Sabah, Sarawak, zon utara, dan zon timur seperti

yang dapat dilihat dalam Rajah 4. Pelajar-pelajar lain tidak dikuarantin pula

adalah terdiri daripada mereka yang boleh diklasifikasikan sebagai

‗terperangkap‘ di Kolej Kediaman Pagoh sepanjang tempoh PKP

dikuatkuasakan.

Rajah 4. Peratusan pelajar mengikut zon negeri di Kolej Kediaman sepanjang

tempoh PKP

Pelajar-pelajar wajib kuarantin boleh dipecahkan kepada 4 kategori. Kategori 1

ada- lah terdiri dari pelajar-pelajar yang telah disahkan positif COVID-19 melalui

ujian ‗swab test‘ yang dijalankan oleh pihak PKD iaitu seramai 8 orang pelajar.

Mereka telah ditempatkan di rumah-rumah ‗khas‘ bagi mengelakkan penularan

wabak COVID-19 berlaku di kalangan pelajar. Mereka ini diasingkan buat

sementara dan pemantauan penuh di bawah Pusat Kesihatan Universiti (PKU)

UTHM sebelum dibawa ke Hospital Permai, Johor Bahru bagi tujuan rawatan

lanjut. Kategori 2 pelajar kuarantin pula adalah terdiri daripada pelajar-pelajar

yang pernah mempunyai kontek rapat dengan pelajar / staf positif COVID-19 dan

bergejala iaitu mereka yang mempunyai simptom demam, batuk dan selesema

walaupun telah disahkan negatif pada ujian COVID-19. Mereka juga telah

diasingkan dari pelajar-pelajar kuarantin yang lain dan mereka ini juga

diklasifikasikan sebagai ‗person under investigation (PUI)‘. Kategori 3 pula terdiri

dari pelajar-pelajar yang tiada kontek rapat dengan positif COVID-19 dan telah

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disahkan negatif bagi ujian COVID-19, namun mempunyai gejala seperti

simptom demam, batuk dan selsema. Mereka ini diklasifikasikan sebagai ‗person

under surveillance (PUS)‘ dan rumah mereka juga diasingkan dari pelajar-

pelajar kuarantin yang lain. Bagi pelajar- pelajar kategori 2 dan kategori 3,

pemeriksaan kesihatan harian secara lebih kerap telah dijalankan oleh pihak

PKU bagi memantau status bergejala mereka. Akhir sekali adalah dari kategori 4,

iaitu terdiri dari mereka wajib kuarantin kerana pernah ada kontek rapat dengan

pesakit COVID-19 walaupun telah disahkan negatif pada ujian COVID-19.

Namun, mereka ini tidak mempunyai simptom-simptom lain seperti demam,

batuk dan selesema.

Bagi pelajar-pelajar lain iaitu yang bukan berstatus kuarantin, mereka bebas

untuk berada di bilik sedia ada. Dari segi keselamatan, bagi mengelakkan

pertemuan rapat antara pelajar-pelajar yang dikuarantin dan pelajar-pelajar non-

quarantine, pihak kolej kediaman telah meletakkan ‗pita amaran‘ bagi

memisahkan kawasan-kawasan yang boleh digunapakai pelajar-pelajar

kuarantin dan tidak kuarantin. Namun, kesemua pelajar tidak dibenarkan untuk

bergerak bebas di sekitar kawasan kolej kediaman dan dihalang dari melakukan

aktiviti-aktiviti yang memerlukan perhimpunan beramai-ramai contohnya aktiviti-

aktiviti bersukan dan sebagainya. Mereka semua dinasihatkan untuk berada di

rumah dan di bilik masing-masing dan sentiasa mematuhi SOP dan

mengamalkan penjarakkan sosial sesama mereka.

Terdapat juga kes-kes terpencil yang melibatkan pelajar-pelajar UTHM yang

terperangkap di sekitar kawasan berdekatan Kolej Kediaman Pagoh. Hal ini

terjadi kerana sejurus PKP dengan secara rasminya diumumkan oleh pihak

kerajaan, pada masa yang sama pintu keluar masuk ke kolej kediaman telah

serta-merta diarahkan tutup bagi mengelakkan penularan virus COVID-19 di

dalam kawasan kolej kediaman. Namun, setelah pertimbangan lanjut diberikan

terhadap isu ini, mereka yang terperangkap di sekitar kawasan berdekatan

Pagoh telah dibenarkan untuk pulang ke kolej kediaman. Walau bagaimana

pun, mereka ini wajib menjalani saringan COVID-19 dan proses kuarantin

selama 14 hari. Sepanjang tempoh itu mereka adalah dibawah pemantauan

pihak Pusat Kesihatan Universiti (PKU) UTHM.

77

Isu yang sama juga berlaku bagi mereka yang telah pulang dari Hospital Permai

(iaitu 8 orang pelajar yang telah disahkan positif COVID-19) dan telah disahkan

bebas dari wabak COVID-19. Walaupun keputusan dari pihak hospital telah

mengesahkan bahawa mereka negatif ujian COVID-19, namun mereka masih

perlu dikuarantin selama 14 hari setibanya di kolej kediaman atas arahan PKU

UTHM. Secara amnya, tiada penularan wabak COVID-19 yang berlaku di

sepanjang proses kuarantin pelajar- pelajar yang dijalankan di dalam Kolej

Kediaman Pagoh. SOP yang telah diperketatkan di dalam kawasan kolej

kediaman serta kerjasama dari para petugas dan pelajar-pelajar dalam

mematuhi segala peraturan yang telah keluarkan telah berjaya membuatkan

area kolej kediaman bebas dari wabak COVID-19.

Kebajikan Pelajar

Pengurusan Kolej Kediaman Pagoh memainkan peranan yang penting dalam

menjaga kebajikan pelajar sepanjang tempoh perintah kawalan pergerakan

(PKP) dengan me- nyediakan bilik gerakan COVID-19 yang berpusat di Pejabat

Kolej Kediaman Pagoh 3 di Blok A11.Satu jawatankuasa khas Badan Bertindak

COVID-19 Kolej Kediaman UTHM Pagoh dibentuk seperti di Rajah 5. Badan

khas ini dianggotai oleh pengetua, felo-felo serta staf pengurusan kolej yang

dipengerusikan oleh Timbalan Naib Canselor Hal Ehwal Pelajar dan Alumni

(TNCHEPA). Ia berperanan sebagai badan induk yang menguruskan hal ehwal

kebajikan pelajar sepanjang PKP.

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Rajah 5. Carta Organisasi Badan Bertindak COVID-19 Kolej Kediaman UTHM

Pagoh

Pusat Kesihatan Universiti di Blok A5 beroperasi sebagai pusat pemantauan

kesihatan pelajar bermula 18 Mac 2020. Pengetua, staf pengurusan kolej

kediaman, felo, pembantu felo dan beberapa pelajar Majlis Perwakilan Pelajar

(MPP) dan Majlis Kepimpinan Pelajar (MKP) memainkan peranan penting

dalam melaksanakan fungsi Bilik Gerakan COVID-19. Demi memastikan bilik

tersebut sentiasa beroperasi mulai jam 8.00 pagi sehingga 10.00 malam setiap

hari, jadual tugas mengikut shif telah disediakan sehingga tempoh PKP berakhir.

Frontliner yang terdiri daripada staf Pusat Kesihatan Universiti dan staf

keselamatan UTHM akan sentiasa beroperasi 24 jam.

Penyediaan makanan bagi pelajar sepanjang tempoh kuarantin telah disediakan

sepenuhnya oleh pihak universiti merangkumi minum pagi, makan tenghari,

makan petang dan makan malam. Proses agihan makanan ini turut dibantu oleh

staf pusat kesihatan universiti dan sukarelawan pelajar. Makanan akan terus

dihantar ke blok kediaman pelajar bagi mengurangkan risiko penularan

jangkitan wabak COVID-19. Selain itu, pihak pengurusan kolej turut

menyediakan makanan untuk sahur, berbuka puasa serta agihan kurma

sepanjang bulan Ramadan. Pelajar yang mendapat bantuan dari pihak

pengurusan adalah semua pelajar Kolej Kediaman Pagoh serta Pelajar Tanpa

Asrama (PTA) yang terdiri daripada pelajar pascasiswazah. Pihak pengurusan

kolej juga mengagihkan bantuan makanan kering dan keperluan asas seperti

biskut, roti, air minuman, pek mi segera, ubat gigi, sabun, tuala wanita dan lain-

79

lain lagi dengan menggunakan peruntukan sumbangan seperti peruntukan

universiti, Badan Bukan Kerajaan (NGO), Tabung Musolla Kolej Kediaman

Pagoh, Syarikat Korporat dan sebagainya. Bagi pelajar tidak dikuarantin, pihak

pengurusan kolej menyediakan perkhidmatan penghantaran keperluan harian

yang dikelolai oleh pihak kafeteria kolej kediaman. Pelajar disediakan bilik yang

selesa di mana hanya menempatkan dua orang pelajar sebilik. Selain bilik yang

selesa, kelajuan perkhidmatan wifi telah dipertingkatkan untuk memudahkan

pelajar menjalani sesi pembelajaran di atas talian. Pihak pengurusan juga telah

mewujudkan kumpulan Whatsapp ―We Care, STAY AT HOME‖ bagi

menyalurkan maklumat penting, sahih dan terkini kepada pelajar.

Memandangkan pelajar perlu sentiasa berada di dalam bilik, pihak pengurusan

menyediakan platform khidmat kaunseling dan motivasi secara atas talian

bersama pegawai kaunseling kepada semua pelajar yang mempunyai masalah .

sepanjang tempoh PKP.

Kesimpulan

Pandemik COVID-19 merupakan satu fenomena yang menggemparkan

sehingga seluruh dunia terkesan terutamanya terhadap aspek kesihatan awam,

meliputi kesihatan mental dan fizikal. Dunia dikejutkan dengan penularan virus

dengan kadar yang sangat pantas, tidak terkecuali di Malaysia di mana kes

pertama direkodkan pada 25 Januari 2020. Kolej kediaman UTHM kampus

cawangan Pagoh menerima kes pertama pada awal Mac 2020, membabitkan

seorang staf akademik. Tindakan proaktif barisan pengurusan kolej kediaman

dan Pusat Kesihatan Daerah Berjaya mengekang penularan wabak di dalam

komuniti kolej kediaman. Jawatankuasa khas dibentuk bagi merangka gerak

kerja membanteras penularan meliputi aspek kebajikan, kesihatan dan

keselamatan. Stesen kuarantin sementara ditubuhkan sebagai pusat kuarantin

bagi penghuni kolej yang diklasifikasikan sebagai kontak rapat kepada pesakit

COVID-19. Langkah pantas pihak pengurusan kolej dan pusat kesihatan

universiti dalam melaksanakan pengesanan kontak rapat, pengasingan dan

pamantauan yang terperinci berjaya mengekang penularan wabak ini di

kalangan warga kolej kediaman. Sinergi dan kerjasama yang erat diantara

perwakilan pelajar, staf pengurusan dan pusat kesihatan adalah sangat penting

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dan perlu sentiasa dititikberatkan dalam memastikan kebajikan pelajar

sepanjang proses kuarantin dan sepanjang PKP adalah terjamin.

References

Laman Sesawang KKM, https://COVID-19.moh.gov.my/faqsop/faq-COVID-19-

kkm "Novel Coronavirus(2019-nCoV): Situation Report – 10" (PDF).

World

Health Organiza- tion (WHO). 30 January 2020. Retrieved 14 October

2020.

Huang C., Wang Y., Li X., Ren L., Zhao J., Hu Y. Clinical features of patients

infected with 2019 novel coronavirus in Wuhan, China. Lancet.

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World Health Organization. 2020. Clinical Management of Severe Acute

Respiratory Infec- tion When Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Infection Is

Suspected: Interim Guidance.

Chakraborty I. & Maity P. COVID-19 outbreak: Migration, effects on society,

global envi- ronment and prevention. Science of the total environment

728(1), doi: 10.1016/j.sci- totenv.2020.138882

Abdulkadir A. Is the lockdown important to prevent the COVID-19 pandemic?

Effects on psychology, environment and economy-perspective. Annals of

Medicine and Surgery, 56(1) pp. 38-42. (2020)

Undang-Undang Malaysia.:Akta 342 Akta Pencegahan dan Pengawalan

Penyakit

Berjangkit 1988, 15(1), pp. 1 -34. (2017)

Perisytiharan Stesen Kuarantin No.3, Akta Pencegahan dan Pengawalan

Penyakit

Berjangkit 1988, Jil 42, no. 7 (2020)

81

LEVERAGING TECHNOLOGY, CULTIVATING SKILLS: TRAVERSE STUDENT WELLNESS

Nur Izzati Jalal Ludin

Inapan Siswa MAS & TNB (MalTen), Universiti Utara Malaysia nur_izzati_jalal@sbm.uum.edu.my

Muhd Saniy Samsudin

Inapan Siswa MAS & TNB (MalTen), Universiti Utara Malaysia muhammad_saniy_sa@sefb.uum.edu.my

Disnawatie Ibrahim Inapan Siswa MAS & TNB (MalTen), Universiti Utara Malaysia

disnawatie_ibrahi@sefb.uum.edu.my

Masturah Rosli

Inapan Siswa MAS & TNB (MalTen), Universiti Utara Malaysia

masturah_rosli2@sqs.uum.edu.my

Nur Hawariah Liyana Lukman

Inapan Siswa MAS & TNB (MalTen), Universiti Utara Malaysia nur_hawariah_liya@soa.uum.edu.my

Rohani Abdullah Inapan Siswa MAS & TNB (MalTen), Universiti Utara Malaysia

rhani@uum.edu.my

ABSTRACT

Genuinely, the usage of Industrial Revolution (IR) 4.0 technology towards the

management of student health and wellbeing in residential colleges at Universiti

Utara Malaysia has been a major discussion due to the coordination as well as

the efficiency that has been provided. Therefore, the aim of study is to evaluate

the efficiency of the usage of IR 4.0 technology towards the management of

student health and wellbeing among the residential colleges. Whereas, the

objectives of this study are to identify the technology literacy among students in

public universities and to investigate the willingness of students in adapting IR

4.0 technology in their lifestyle. Universiti Utara Malaysia would be the case

study in this study. Therefore, the data has been conducted and analysed

quantitatively among the nine residential colleges members of Universiti Utara

Malaysia. In conclusion, the results of this study prove that students of Universiti

82

Utara Malaysia could adapt with the Industrial Revolution (IR) 4.0 technology

being implemented into the major field which related with their university lifestyle

comprising academic, curriculum and management of student health and well-

being.

Keywords: Residential colleges, Industrial Revolution (IR) 4.0 Technology,

management of student health and wellbeing.

INTRODUCTION

Public University (UA) is a university that is mainly funded by Malaysian state

government. Public universities usually are bigger than private universities and

have outsized classes for the students. Moreover, UA is built as a place for the

students to study with a very conducive environment aligned with the requests

of people who require an institution that supports shaping a professional and

intelligent group, particularly together with the Malaysian who can undertake the

country advancing in the future. Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) has provided 9

residential colleges in the main campus, which is located at Sintok, Kedah. The 9

residential colleges are MAS & TNB (MalTen), Proton & Tradewinds

(PROWINS), Maybank, Petronas & Sime Darby (PetroSD), TM & Grant (TaG),

MISC & BSN (MISN), YAB & Muamalat (YMU), SME Bank and Bank Rakyat.

The Industrial Revolution (IR) 4.0 covers a much broader scope. According to

Klaus Schwab (2016), the founder of the World Economic Forum in his book The

Fourth Industrial Revolution describes the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR) 4.0

marked by the emergence of supercomputers, smart robots, driverless vehicles,

genetic editing and the development of neurotechnology that allows humans to

further optimize brain function. Nowadays, the world needs to interact quickly. All

of the data and information need to move faster and quicker from one to another

place in less than a second. Previously, all data was moved through mobile

phones and computers but today, data can travel from a machine to another or

known as machine-to-machine (M2M). Based on Nagy, J et al. (2018), M2M is

just part of the Industrial Revolution (IR) 4.0.

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Yet, Industrial Revolution (IR) 4.0 covers the innovation of countless new

technologies such as automation, Internet of Things (IoT), analytics and big data,

simulation, systems integration, the use of robotics and the cloud that will

accelerate the advancement of the modern world landscape. This revolution

marked the emergence of cyber physical systems involving entirely new

capabilities for humans, machines and new methods of technology. In other

words, automation technology is seen as a technological capability that does not

necessarily involve humans directly. Sima, V et al. (2020) said that Industrial

Revolution (IR) 4.0 can also overcome the problem of dependence on energy

resources that will significantly change the future of the world of work.

INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION (IR) 4.0 TECHNOLOGY TOWARDS THE

MANAGEMENT OF STUDENTS HEALTH AND WELLBEING IN

RESIDENTIAL

COLLEGES

Residential colleges have been well known all over the world that are

considered as one of the sacred places that seek to provide accommodation for

those students that are pursuing their education at universities. Conventionally

residence halls are on campus facilities that aid the student for low cost,

attractive and convenient living quarters for university students in close proximity

to academic buildings.

Apart from that, residential colleges also provide the students with out of class

experience with in class learning to ensure they could cultivate their personal

development in various aspects such as academic, curricular etc. Hence, this

study believes the factor of Industrial Revolution (IR) 4.0 Technology towards

the management of student health and well-being in residential college is a

concern that must be solved especially during the outbreak of pandemic

coronavirus (COVID-19).

Due to that, the existence of residential colleges needs to be fully focused by

the management of university as well as society to leverage all the facilities as

medium to polish their talents that could become the top tier graduate after

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finishing their study. To back up the statement, according to Anuar et al. (Anuar,

2006) the goal of providing residential college are as follows;

Provide a beneficial experience to catalyse success in academics. Giving

students ―privacy‖ personal safety and personal property while at university.

Create an environment that suits personal needs to achieve good self-esteem.

Producing a generation of responsible, culturally-educated, smart, intelligent

communities, competing internationally, noble and cultured nations.

LITERATURE REVIEW

Nowadays the use of the Industrial Revolution (IR) 4.0 is commonly known as

we move forward to the changes of science and technologies. The term of IR 4.0

represents the approach of using artificial intelligence, machines, and internet

things. As our research is about the importance of using IR4.0 technology in the

university management system, we would like to present some theories and

studies regarding several topics that might help to understand more about the

topic.

Based on Kevin Vishal‘s (2017) studies, Industrial Revolution 4.0 will tune our

lives based on Artificial Intelligence with the use of the four principles which are

Interoperability, Information Transparency, Technical Assistance and lastly

Decentralized Decisions. As all the principles are about the ability of the

machines, information system, assistance system and ability of cyber physical

systems to change the use of human resources with the technologies. This will

likely help the management of the university or the student council itself to help

the student who needs health which does not consume a lot of energy and time

as well everything will be in a systematic way.

There is another one studied by Wang, Varma and Prosperi (2018) where it's

about the systematic mobile app for monitoring and management of mental

health where they focus on the efficiency and acceptability of the apps for

mental health in all ages. This is because the growing number of students who

have mental health problem become more serious and the things is not all

85

university or an institution has an easy way for them to reach out for help as

sometimes the test could be done by several student‘s club or any bureau that

in charge regarding these issues and it does not very systematically.

Moreover, there is also an article about how mental health technology is

transforming healthcare. Therefore, the use of IR 4.0 indirectly has been

mentioned as we know the basic meaning of IR 4.0. In this article, it stated that

healthcare has moved forward to digitalize their service to improve the well-being

of the people. One body which is called Ginger.io also came out with one digital

healthcare system where they have the team to help the people that are having

problems in terms of mental health to be able to reach with their application and

the system also allows the people to text and receive a response from the

counsellors or the coach. By using these technologies, it helps to connect one

with another efficiently. With the given benefits and advantages provided by IR

4.0, this study is intended to answer the following research question:

RQ: What is the level of students‘ acceptance and adaptation towards IR4.0

technology in Universiti Utara Malaysia?

METHODOLOGY

The data of the study will be gathered from interview with student

representatives from all residential colleges in UUM. This interview is purposely

to capture and explore student‘s understanding and acceptance towards IR 4.0.

Besides ,this research used the systematic literature review to critically

synthesize and appraise the data and empirical evidence. There are a total eight

steps in conducting the review that can be categorized into 3 main processes. In

the implementation process, the interview with the students includes as one of

the ways to get the information about what they understand about the IR4.0

technology and some articles used as one of the references.

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This research used the systematic literature review to critically synthesize and

appraise the data and empirical evidence that answer the research question.

After defining the research question, we do an interview with the students

involved and they are the respondents in this research. We developed the PICO

framework (population, intervention, comparison, and outcome) which allowed

us to obtain the most relevant information that can answer the research question.

The keywords such as IR4.0 technology, importance of using the technology and

management university using in find the literature review.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Figure 1: Respondents on technology literacy especially regarding Industrial

Revolution (IR) 4.0 Technology

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Figure 1 above shows the data collection of respondents on technology literacy

especially regarding Industrial Revolution (IR) 4.0 Technology. Furthermore,

among the 9 residential colleges located in the main campus of Universiti Utara

Malaysia, Sintok, Kedah had been taken to identify the rate of percentage of the

technology literacy between the students. Contrary to figure 1, the highest

percentage recorded for the students that know about technology literacy is

approximately 93% compared to the minority of students which recorded 7% of

not knowing the technology of industrial revolution 4.0 well. With this result, it is

not something that is impossible to achieve because university students are a

collective of intellectual people that are always following the trend along with the

advent of technology.

Figure 2: Perception about IR 4.0 in education sector (Public Institutions)

88

Figure 3: The willingness of students regarding the implementation of IR 4.0

Technology into academic, curriculum and the management of student health

and well-being.

In addition, figure 2 and 3 shows the data that has been recorded respecting the

Perception about IR 4.0 in the education sector (Public Institutions) and

the willingness of students regarding the implementation of IR 4.0

Technology into academic, curriculum and the management of student

health and well-being. As for the figure 2, the students tend to believe the IR 4.0

technology will be effective whether the innovation has been used in the

academic field. Whereas, figure 3 shows the positive result concerning the

willingness of the student and the data taken consists of strongly agreeing and

strongly disagreeing with the linear scale levelling from 0 to 5. Following that,

the majority choice that has been made by the students strongly agree up to

level 5, 4 and 3.

This result conveys that the students tend to strongly agree that the IR 4.0

technology is an innovation that could lead into a brighter future considering their

choice and it must be applied into important fields that are related with university

students such as academic, curriculum and management of student health and

well-being particularly during the student all over the world need to face the

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biggest disaster in the era expected exceed the worst impact that been brought

by Spanish flu in 1918.

Figure 4: The level of agreement among students in residential college as

regards the innovation of IR 4.0 technology that would launch a project that

would integrate academic, curriculum and management of student health and

wellbeing.

Precedent the figure 4 as the indicator, the level of agreement among

students in residential college as regards the innovation of IR 4.0

technology that would launch a project that would integrate academic,

curriculum and management of student health and wellbeing received

recognition among the students presuming it would be put into effect at the

residential colleges. The project has been predicted to pivot the rise of IR 4.0

technology at the resident colleges located in Universiti Utara Malaysia. It would

highlight the major field which is related among university students that is

academic, curriculum and management of student health and wellbeing.

Therefore, the concept of the framework will be group in accordance with the

focused field as an example the academic section would concentrate on

providing private tutor and platform for student could report their difficulties

during their studies, curriculum would be focus on the personal develop which

creating a talent tube or enhancing volunteerism to experience manage an event

and last but not least, the management of student health and well-being would

be pay attention on the mental aspects for instance monthly Depression,

Anxiety, Stress, Screening (DASS) Assessment or health tracking system.

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Without a doubt, this study manifests the efficiency and readiness of students to

cope with the new advancement of IR 4.0 technology especially in the

residential colleges. With the development and innovation of projects that

centralize the academic, curriculum and management of student health and

well-being would be unfolding the problems that always arise in the student

ecosystem peculiarly in the era with greater challenges for the student that tend

to harm their health, mental etc.

CONCLUSION

All circumstances have been considered, the outcome of this research progress

with a stance to strengthen the integration and innovation of IR 4.0 technology in

the management of student health and well-being in residential colleges parity to

the complications that need to be encountered by the student‘s society that lead

the organization in the residential college. Besides, there are a lot of

suggestions that have already been proposed by respondents and researchers.

Consequently, the authoritative must take into consideration this proceeding to

initiate the top tier student conjunction with desire to sustain the student

residential management efficiently. Equally important, the survey is design to

investigate the willingness of student to adapt the IR 4.0 technology as a method

to strengthen the integration and innovation of IR4.0 technology in the

management of student health and well-being in awareness on technology

literacy especially regarding Industrial Revolution (IR) 4.0 technology

which the data recorded shown the majority of respondents be cognizant of the

IR 4.0 technology literacy approximately 93% that could be consider as

significantly high.

Next, the survey also address regarding the perception about IR 4.0 in

education sector (Public Institutions) and the willingness of students

regarding the implementation of IR 4.0 technology into academic,

curriculum and the management of student health and well-being were well

approve due to the respondents have confidence in the technology that made

them chose effective and strongly agree respectively for the both question.

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Following that, the last inquiry is the level of agreement among students in

residential college as regards the innovation of IR 4.0 technology that

would launch a project that would integrate academic, curriculum and

management of student health and wellbeing which is the result outcome

express the acknowledgment made by the all respondent. Simply put, the main

objective that been raise while undergo this research validate the student in

University Utara Malaysia especially the residential college is in a fit state to

cope with the furtherance of IR 4.0 technology in the course of academic ,

curriculum as well as management of student health and well-being in their

residential colleges with a recognition to sustain the student‘s residential

management par with strengthen the integration and innovation of IR4.0

technology in the management of student health and well-being.

REFERENCES

Alaloul, Wesam & Liew, M.s & Wan Abdullah Zawawi, Noor Amila &

Mohammed,

Bashar. (2018). Industry Revolution IR 4.0: Future Opportunities and

Challenges in Construction Industry. MATEC Web of Conferences.

Anuar, M. M. (2006). Memperkasakan Modal Insan: Peranan dan Cabaran Kolej

Kediaman di Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam.

J, K. V. (2017). Industrial Revolution 4.0. Global Research and Development

Journal for Engineering.

Jones, M. (2017, November 21). How Mental Health Technology Is Transforming

Healthcare (and Improving Emotional Wellbeing). Retrieved from

Inc.com:

https://www.inc.com/matthew- jones/how-mental-health-technology-is-

transforming-healthcare-and-improving-emotional- wellbeing.html

K. Schwab. (2016). ―The fourth industrial revolution, Geneva: World Economic

Forum‖.

Nagy, J., Oláh, J., Erdei, E., Máté, D., & Popp, J. (2018). The Role and Impact

of

Industry 4.0 and the Internet of Things on the Business Strategy of the

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Value Chain—The Case of Hungary. Sustainability.

https://doaj.org/article/948fdbac288d427fb3ef639de146ee0f.

Oztemel, Ercan & Gursev, Samet. (2020). Literature review of Industry 4.0 and

related technologies. Journal of Intelligent Manufacturing.

Sima, V., Gheorghe, I. G., Subić, J., & Nancu, D. (2020). Influences of the

industry

4.0 revolution on the human capital development and consumer behavior:

A systematic review. MDPI. https://www.mdpi.com/2071-

1050/12/10/4035.

Wang.K, V. D. (2018). A systematic review of the effectiveness of mobile apps

for

monitoring and management of mental health symptoms or disorders.

Journal of psychiatric research, 107, 73–78.

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PENGENDALIAN DAN PENGURUSAN PELAJAR DI KOLEJ KEDIAMAN PAGOH SEPANJANG TEMPOH PERINTAH KAWALAN PERGERAKAN

(PKP) 2020

Muhammad Hanafi Bin Asril Rajo Mantari Jabatan Kejuruteraan Mekanikal, Pusat Pengajian Diploma

Kolej Kediaman Pagoh 2, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM)

Wan Noor Afifah Binti Wan Ahmad Kolej Kediaman Pagoh 2, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM)

Mohd Faisal Bin Hushim

Muhammad A'imullah Bin Abdullah Jabatan Teknologi Kejuruteraan Mekanikal, Fakulti Teknologi Kejuruteraan

Kolej Kediaman Pagoh 2, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM)

Muhammad Qusyairi Bin Abdul Rahman Jabatan Kejuruteraan Mekanikal, Pusat Pengajian Diploma,

Kolej Kediaman Pagoh 2, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM)

Abstrak

Pada hujung tahun 2019, dunia dikejutkan dengan kes penularan wabak

Coronavirus Disease of 2019 (COVID-19). Kesan wabak tersebut dirasai di

seluruh dunia termasuklah Malaysia dengan penguatkuasaan Perintah Kawalan

Pergerakan (PKP) pada Mac 2020. Ekoran daripada itu, Universiti Tun Hussein

Onn Malaysia (UTHM) melalui pusat tanggungjawab masing-masing mengubah

gaya kerja dan pengurusan bersesuai dengan norma baharu. Hal ini

termasuklah dengan hal ehwal pengurusan pelajar di kolej kediaman. Artikel ini

ditulis untuk berkongsi pengalaman tentang proses pengurusan pelajar di Kolej

Kediaman Pagoh (KKP) dalam menghadapi krisis COVID-19 dan juga

penguatkusaan Perintah Kawalan Pergerakan (PKP). Proses ini melibatkan

beberapa perkara penting seperti aspek pergerakan pelajar ketika PKP,

pengurusan pelajar mengikut status kesihatan iaitu isolasi, kuarantin, dan bukan

kuarantin serta pengurusan penghantaran pulang pelajar ke kampung halaman.

Selain itu, aspek pengurusan aktiviti pelajar di KKP, aspek kebajikan seperti

pemberian makanan, perkhid- matan pengeposan barang, dan perkhidmatan

pembelian barangan keperluan juga turut menjadi aktiviti penting dalam

membantu pelajar. Hasil daripada proses pengurusan yang cekap dan

responsif, penularan wabak COVID-19 dalam kawasan KKP dapat dielakkan.

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Kata Kunci: COVID-19, Kolej Kediaman, Pandemik, Pengurusan Pelajar,

Perintah Kawalan Pergerakan, PKP.

Pengenalan

Umum mengetahui bahawa pada 25 Januari 2020, Kementerian Kesihatan

Malaysia (KKM) telah mengumumkan kes pertama Coronavirus Disease of

2019 (COVID-19) di Malaysia. Dalam kes ini, seramai tiga warganegara China

telah dilaporkan membawa virus tersebut dan telah dikesan memasuki Malaysia

melalui pintu masuk Johor – Singapura [1]. Ekoran daripada itu, penularan

COVID-19 telah dikhabarkan merebak ke komuniti Malaysia apabila seorang

rakyat wanita Malaysia telah disahkan positif virus tersebut [2].

Penularan virus tersebut menjadi serius dari semasa ke semasa sehingga

World Health Organization (WHO) mengisytiharkan virus tersebut sebagai

pandemik [3]. Berikutan perisytiharan itu, Perdana Menteri Tan Sri Muhyiddin

bin Mohd. Yassin mengisytiharkan Perintah Kawalan Pergerakan yang pertama

(PKP 1.0) di seluruh negara bagi mengekang penularan COVID-19 di Malaysia

[4]. Pengisytiharan ini telah berkuat kuasa pada 18 Mac 2020.

Hal ini menyebabkan organisasi, syarikat, industri dan individu terkesan kerana

tidak dibenarkan beroperasi seperti biasa. Perkara ini juga termasuklah sektor

akademik dimana pihak sekolah dan universiti ditutup. Pelajar-pelajar di institut

pengajian tinggi (IPT) yang memilih untuk kekal menginap di kolej kediaman

masing-masing tidak dibenarkan keluar sepanjang bulan Mac hingga April 2020

[5].

Artikel ini bertujuan untuk berkongsi pengalaman dalam menguruskan pelajar

sewaktu tempoh krisis COVID-19 selain penambahbaikan kaedah pengurusan

pelajar di kolej kediaman (KK) dalam situasi pandemik supaya aspek

keselamatan dan kesihatan pelajar terpelihara.

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Pengurusan krisis ini berkisar di Kolej Kediaman Pagoh (KKP) yang merupakan

salah satu KK di Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM). Oleh itu,

terdapat beberapa aspek yang berkaitan yang akan diterangkan secara lebih

jelas. Aspek tersebut merangkumi pengurusan pergerakan pelajar, kebajikan

pelajar, dan aktiviti pelajar di KKP.

Pengurusan dan Pergerakan Pelajar Sewaktu PKP 1.0

Dalam tempoh pandemik dan PKP, salah satu aspek yang sangat penting

adalah pergerakan pelajar. Pengurusan ini penting kerana sewaktu PKP

sebarang pergerakan rentas negeri adalah tidak dibenarkan apatah lagi

pergerakan secara massa (mass movement). Pihak pengurusan KKP bersama

pihak Pusat Kesihatan Universiti (PKU) telah berganding bahu dalam

menguruskan Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) pelajar yang diarahkan

untuk isolasi dan kuarantin.Pengurusan Pelajar Isolasi, Kuarantin dan Bukan

Kuarantin.

Ekoran daripada pengisytiharan PKP yang berkuatkuasa pada 18 Mac 2020,

pelajar diberi pilihan samada pulang ke kampung halaman atau kekal berada di

KK. Bagi pelajar yang memilih untuk kekal di kolej, pihak pengurusan telah

bertindak dalam mengasingkan pelajar mengikut kategori. Kategori pelajar

bukan kuarantin merujuk kepada pelajar yang bebas dari gejala dan juga bukan

kontak rapat pesakit COVID-19. Manakala, bagi pelajar yang merupakan kontak

rapat dengan pesakit COVID-19 termasuklan pelajar bergejala, mereka

diarahkan untuk menjalani tempoh isolasi dan kuarantin selama 14 hari.

Pelajar bukan kuarantin dibenarkan kekal berada di rumah dan bilik masing-

masing. Pelajar bukan kuarantin merupakan pelajar yang memilih untuk kekal di

kolej atas faktor kampung halaman yang jauh dari Pagoh. Kategori ―pelajar

terperangkap‖ ini terdiri daripada pelajar yang dari Zon Pantai Timur, Zon Utara,

Sabah, dan Sarawak. Mereka tidak dibenarkan keluar dari rumah mereka

sekiranya tiada urusan penting seperti mengambil makanan. Selain itu, pelajar

ini juga tidak dibenarkan menziarah dan berada di rumah rakan-rakan yang

sedang menjalani isolasi dan kuarantin. Bagi mengawal keselamatan dan

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pergerakan pelajar, pita amaran telah digunapakai oleh pihak pengurusan di

KK. Langkah keselamatan ini diambil bagi mengelakkan pelajar berada di

kawasan larangan. Rajah 1 menunjukkan proses memasang pita amaran di

sekitar kawasan yang di kuarantin.

Rajah. 1. Proses meletakkan pita amaran oleh staf yang terlibat di sekitar

kawasan kolej kediaman pelajar.

Pada waktu yang sama, pelajar yang dikenalpasti perlu menjalani isolasi dan

kuarantin diasingkan dan ditempatkan di dalam satu blok. Selain itu, jumlah

pelajar dalam setiap rumah di KK dikurangkan daripada 12 orang sewaktu

sebelum pandemik kepada maksimum 8 orang pelajar setiap rumah.

Kebajikan Pelajar

Sepanjang tempoh PKP, pihak pengurusan KKP telah memainkan peranan yang

sangat penting terhadap kebajikan pelajar. Oleh itu, bilik gerakan COVID-19

telah ditubuhkan bagi tujuan penggunaan Pengetua, staf pengurusan kolej,

Felo, Pembantu Felo, Majlis Kepimpinan Pelajar (MKP), dan Majlis Perwakilan

Pelajar (MPP) dalam melaksanakan aktiviti pengurusan pelajar dalam tempoh

PKP. Petugas barisan hadapan seperti staf PKU dan staf keselamatan UTHM

beroperasi 24 jam di kolej. Bagi menjaga kebajikan pelajar, pihak pengurusan

telah menyediakan beberapa perkhidmatan dan kemudahan seperti pemberian

makanan, perkhidmatan pembelian barangan keperluan pelajar, perkhidmatan

pengeposan barangan, dan juga termasuklah jamuan Sambutan Hari Raya

Aidilfitri bagi warga KKP.

Pemberian Makanan dan Pembelian Barang Keperluan Pelajar

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Pemberian makanan dan pembelian barangan keperluan pelajar merupakan

usaha kebajikan yang diusahakan oleh pengurusan kolej. Bagi pelajar berstatus

isolasi dan kuarantin, pelajar disediakan dengan minum pagi, makan tengah

hari, minum petang, dan makan malam dan diagihkan sepenuhnya oleh pihak

PKU. Semua pelajar KKP termasuklah Pelajar Tanpa Asrama (PTA) mendapat

bantuan dari pihak pengurusan. Rajah 2 menunjukkan proses pembungkusan

makanan untuk diagihkan kepada pelajar yang menginap di KKP. Kaedah

pemberian makanan kepada pelajar dijelaskan secara terperinci dan boleh

dirujuk pada Jadual 1. Pelajar bukan kuarantin pula disediakan kemudahan

tempahan pembelian barangan keperluan melalui aplikasi Whatsapp yang

diuruskan oleh Kafe Barracuda di dalam Kolej.

Jadual 1. Kaedah dalam proses pengagihan makanan kepada pelajar KKP.

Kaedah Status pelajar

Isolasi dan kuarantin Bukan kuarantin

Pembungkusan

makanan oleh

penyedia makanan

Setiap bungkusan makanan

dilabelkan berdasarkan

kuantiti dan nombor rumah

yang telah di maklumkan

oleh petugas.

Setiap bungkusan

makanan dilabelkan

berdasarkan kuantiti

pelajar di blok-blok KK

yang telah dimaklumkan

oleh petugas.

Penghantaran

bekalan oleh

penyedia makanan

Penerimaan

bekalan makanan

Bungkusan makanan

dihantar ke Bilik Gerakan

COVID-19 iaitu pejabat

KKP3 mengikut jadual.

Bungkusan makanan akan

diperiksa berdasarkan

kuantiti dan menu yang

telah ditempah oleh

petugas. Sekiranya didapati

bermasalah seperti rosak,

tersilap atau terkurang,

pihak penyedia makanan

akan menukar atau

menambah bungkusan

makanan yang baru.

Bungkusan makanan

dihantar ke setiap blok KK

mengikut jadual.

Bungkusan makanan

akan diperiksa

berdasarkan kuantiti dan

menu yang telah

ditempah oleh petugas.

Petugas adalah terdiri

daripada sukarelawan

yang dilantik oleh KK.

Sekiranya didapati

bermasalah seperti rosak,

tersilap atau terkurang,

pihak penyedia makanan

akan menukar atau

menambah bungkusan

makanan yang baru.

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Pihak yang

bertanggungjawab

dalam agihan

makanan.

Pengambilan

makanan

Pihak PKU.

Pihak PKU menghantar

bekalan makanan ke setiap

rumah pelajar. Dalam

proses ini, pelajar

dikehendaki mematuhi SOP

semasa berurusan dengan

pihak PKU seperti memakai

pelitup muka, mengamalkan

penjarakan fizikal, dan

membersihkan tangan

dengan menggunakan

sabun.

Petugas yang merupakan

sukarelawan yang dilantik

oleh pihak KK.

Pelajar dimaklumkan

supaya mengambil

makanan di aras bawah

blok masing-masing.

Mereka perlu mematuhu

SOP pencegahan wabak

seperti memakai pelitup

muka, mengamalkan

penjarakan fizikal, dan

membersihkan tangan

dengan menggunakan

sabun.

Rajah. 2. Proses pembungkusan makanan untuk diagihkan kepada Pelajar di

KKP.

Perkhidmatan Pengeposan Barang Pelajar di Kolej Kediaman Pagoh

Perkhidmatan pengeposan barangan juga disediakan dan hanya melibatkan

pelajar ber- status bukan kuarantin. Perkhidmatan ini dikendalikan oleh

sukarelawan yang dilantik dimana satu Kumpulan di aplikasi Whatsapp telah

diwujudkan bagi menyampaikan maklumat berkaitan kepada pelajar. Pelajar yang

hendak menggunakan perkhidmatan ini perlu ke pusat pengumpulan barang pos

yang berpusat di Bilik Gerakan MKP KKP2 mengikut hari dan waktu yang telah

dijadualkan. Rajah 3 menunjukkan proses penghantaran barangan ini.

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Rajah. 3. Perkhidmatatan penghantaran barangan pelajar ke syarikat courier.

Jamuan Hari Raya Aidilfitri di Kolej Kediaman Pagoh

Pada Mei 2020, terdapat pelajar yang memilih untuk kekal berada di kolej. Namun

begitu, kebajikan pelajar tetap diuruskan oleh pihak pengurusan. Pelajar-pelajar ini

kekal berada di kolej atas beberapa faktor seperti kemudahan internet yang lebih

baik berbanding di kampung dan suasana belajar yang lebih kondusif. Pelajar-

pelajar ini telah diraikan sempena sambutan Hari Raya Aidilfitri tahun 2020 bersama

dengan Timbalan Naib Canselor HEPA UTHM iaitu Prof. Madya Dr. Afandi Bin

Ahmad, barisan pengetua, felo, pembantu felo, staf PKU, dan staf keselamatan

UTHM. Jamuan Hari Raya juga diadakan dengan mengikut SOP yang ditetapkan

seperti pengamalan penjarakan fizikal dan pemakaian pelitup muka. Rajah 4

menunjukkan kemeriahan sambutan Hari Raya di KKP.

Rajah. 4. Jamuan Sambutan Hari Raya Aidilfitri peringkat Kolej Kediaman Pagoh

bersama pelajar dan pengurusan kolej.

Aktiviti Pelajar

Semasa tempoh PKP dan juga pandemik, aktiviti pelajar tetap diteruskan mengikut

norma baharu. Aktiviti yang dijalankan merangkumi aktiviti secara atas talian dan

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terdapat juga aktiviti sukan yang hanya melibatkan pelajar yang berada di kolej.

Kuliah agama adalah salah satu aktiviti yang dijalankan secara atas talian. Bagi

aktiviti sukan pula melibatkan indoor game seperti permainan congkak dan karum.

Aktiviti-aktiviti seperti ini dapat mengisi masa lapang pelajar. Rajah 5 menunjukkan

tazkirah Ramadhan yang dijalankan secara dalam talian yang disampaikan oleh felo

KKP, Ustaz Kamal Izhar.

Rajah. 5. Tazkirah dalam talian sempena PKP.

Pengurusan Penghantaran Pulang Pelajar

Selain menguruskan pelajar berstatus isolasi, kuarantin, dan bukan kuarantin, pihak

pengurusan KK juga memainkan peranan penting dalam pengurusan penghantaran

pulang pelajar dari KK ke kampung halaman masing-masing. Keputusan

penghantaran pulang pelajar telah dipersetujui bersama oleh Kementerian

Pengajian Tinggi (KPT) dengan kerjasama KKM dan Majlis Keselamatan Negara

(MKN). Pelajar yang terkandas di KK dibenarkan pulang ke kampung halaman

semasa tempoh PKP bermula 27 April 2020 [6].

Sehubungan dengan itu, pihak pengurusan UTHM menjayakan saranan KPT

dengan menyediakan pengangkutan untuk pelajar. Pelajar dibenarkan pulang

melalui tiga mod pergerakan, iaitu, pelajar dijemput oleh ibu bapa dan penjaga,

pulang dengan menaiki bas yang disediakan oleh universiti, dan pelajar pulang

dengan kenderaan sendiri. Pelajar dibenarkan pulang secara berperingkat-peringkat

dan hanya dibenarkan pulang ke Zon Hijau sahaja.

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Pergerakan pelajar terbahagi kepada beberapa zon kawasan, iaitu, Zon Utara,

Zon Tengah 1, Zon Tengah 2, Zon Timur, Zon Selatan, Zon Sabah, dan Zon

Sarawak. Sejumlah 277 orang yang terdiri daripada 176 orang pelajar lelaki dan 101

orang pelajar perempuan telah terlibat dalam operasi penghantaran pulang ke zon

kawasan tersebut.

Pada hari penghantaran pulang pelajar ke kampung halaman, pelajar dikumpulkan

di kafe KKP. Pengisytiharan kesihatan telah dilakukan dimana pelajar terlibat

menjalani ujian saringan gejala seperti pemeriksaan suhu badan, sakit tekak, batuk,

selesema, dan sesak nafas. Saringan gejala tersebut dipantau sepenuhnya oleh

pihak PKU. Pada waktu yang sama, pelajar dimestikan memakai pelitup muka

sepanjang masa. Setelah melepasi dan lulus saringan gejala, pelajar dibenarkan

bergerak ke pusat pelepasan pelajar di Dewan Sultan Ibrahim (DSI) di UTHM

Kampus Parit Raja. Rajah 6 menunjukkan penghantaran pelajar daripada KKP ke

DSI menggunakan bas universiti.

Rajah. 6. Pelajar memasukkan barang dan bersedia untuk ke pusat pelepasan di

DSI di UTHM Kampus Parit Raja.

Setelah tiba di DSI, pelajar dikehendaki ke kaunter pengesahan dan meletakkan

barangan mereka di tempat yang telah dilabel mengikut Ibu Pejabat Polis Daerah

(IPD) bagi tujuan sanitasi. Kemudian, pelajar perlu mendaftar di dalam DSI

mengikut IPD masing-masing. Rajah 7 menunjukkan proses pendaftaran pelajar di

DSI dan penempatan pelajar mengikut IPD masing-masing.

102

Rajah. 7. Proses pendaftaran pelajar mengikut IPD masing-masing.

Pada sesi penghantaran pulang pelajar April 2020 yang lalu, pelajar dibekalkan

dengan juadah berbuka puasa. Pelajar disediakan ruang solat yang khas bagi

mendirikan Solat Maghrib selepas berbuka puasa. Selepas itu, pelajar ke lokasi

simpanan brang mereka bagi mengambil beg dan bagasi dan terus diarahkan

bergerak ke tempat pemeriksaan saringan terakhir di mana pelajar sekali lagi

menjalani pemeriksaan suhu badan. Jika suhu pelajar lebih daripada 37.5℃, pelajar

diarahkan berpatah balik dan dirujuk kepada pihak PKU.

Setelah melepasi ujian saringan kesihatan barulah pelajar dibenarkan bergerak dan

menaiki bas. Setiap bas akan diiringi oleh seorang Liaison Officer (LO) yang dilantik

oleh universiti dalam kalangan staf UTHM. LO ini akan mengiringi pelajar bermula

dari pusat pelepasan DSI ke IPD kampung halaman pelajar. Selepas tiba di IPD,

bas ataupun kenderaan yang digunakan untuk menghantar pelajar tadi akan

menjalani proses sanitasi oleh pihak Bomba. Rajah 8 menunjukkan pihak bomba

sedang membuat sanitasi ke atas bas.

Rajah. 8. Proses sanitasi bas oleh pihak bomba sebaik tiba di IPD

103

Pergerakan pulang pelajar bermula dengan pelajar Zon Selatan pada 30 April 2020

dan berakhir dengan pelajar Zon Sabah pada 31 Mei 2020. Sejumlah 266 orang

pelajar berjaya pulang manakala 11 orang pelajar memilih untuk kekal di kolej atas

beberapa faktor seperti ingin menggunakan kemudahan internet yang baik,

keselesaan pembela- jaran, faktor keluarga dan sebagainya.

Secara keseluruhannya, proses penghantaran pulang pelajar berjalan dengan

lancar dan pelajar dijemput oleh ibu bapa mereka setelah tiba di IPD kampung

halaman masing-masing.

Kesimpulan dan Penutup

Aspek pergerakan pelajar, kebajikan dan aktiviti pelajar adalah merupakan tindakan

yang telah diambil oleh pihak pengurusan KKP semasa tempoh PKP 1.0 yang lalu.

Usaha murni ini dapat mengekang penularan wabak COVID-19 dalam kawasan

KKP. Usaha bersepadu yang dilakukan oleh pihak universiti, pengurusan Kolej

Kediaman Pagoh dan pelajar ternyata berjaya menguruskan segala kesulitan yang

disebabkan oleh pandemik Covid 19 semasa PKP 1.0.

104

Rujukan

H. A. Hasnan, ―Kes pertama koronavirus di Malaysia, tiga warga China kini

dirawat

di Hospital Sungai Buloh,‖ Astro Awani, 2020.

R. Abdullah, ―Koronavirus: KKM sahkan kes pertama warganegara Malaysia,‖ Astro

Awani, Kuala Lumpur, 2020.

WHO, ―Statement on the second meeting of the International Health Regulations

(2005)

Emergency Committee regarding the outbreak of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV),‖

2020.

T. Sukumaran, ―Coronavirus: Malaysia in partial lockdown from March 18 to limit

outbreak,‖ South China Morning Post, Hong Kong, 16-Mar-2020.

I. S. Yaakob, ―11 hari PKP, kerajaan tanggung kos makan lebih 74,500 pelajar IPT,‖

Star Media Group Berhad, Kuala Lumpur, 2020.

BERNAMA, ―Proses penghantaran pelajar masuk hari ke-4... seramai 2,000

penuntut

pulang ke kampung halaman masing-masing malam ini,‖ Star Media Group

Berhad, Kuala Lumpur, 30-Apr-2020.

105

NURTURING SKILLS, BRIDGING EMPLOYABILITY: THE NEED FOR SPIRITUALITY AND PSYCHOLOGY AS DUO ELEMENTS

Siti Nor Hafiza binti Abdul Samad

School of Business Management, Universiti Utara Malaysia

Muhammad Shuib bin Rosli

School of Law, Universiti Utara Malaysia

Amirul Haqeem bin Abd. Ghani Islamic Business School, Universiti Utara Malaysia

Abstract

The outbreak of COVID-19 has brought excessive changes to many aspects of life,

especially economic and education sector. The changes have led to many negative

impacts to the latter, specifically increasing unemployment and also increasing

pressure for both the students and the teachers. Hence, this paper is esteemed to

explore the spiritual values and psychological aspects to strengthen the inner self of

students to be as the basic arsenal to be utilised to grasp other important skills

during university that later provide avenue to be a holistic student and subsequently

increase their potential on employability. The paper will also discuss the concept

and the significance of spirituality and psychology to be instil from the beginning of

the graduates‘ journey as early as year one; and this process need to be embedded

in the student activity and programme in at least 60% rate if not 100%. Discussion

within the team of residential colleges student organization through brainstorming

approach have been used to identify the theme of the writing. From the results of

the discussion, we found out, contrary to positivistic beliefs, that spiritual

enhancement and psychological strength are important to nurture the skills of the

students and to increase the potential of being employable. The paper concluded

that the spirituality and psychology is two of the most important traits to be

embedded in student identity construction and integrity mind through the proper

student program and curricular.

Keywords: Spiritual values, nurturing future leader, skills and employability.

106

Introduction

The outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in November 2019 throughout the

world has brought drastic changes to many aspects of life. The landscape of our old

norms through physical means had been quickly reduced to only virtual means. This

situation had given negative impacts to many aspects of our day-to-day life as well

as governance of the nation-state, especially in the education sector.

Worldwide academic setting and norms, including Malaysia, have been shifted into

the unknown and peculiar new norms for the past one year. As have been

aforementioned, this is due to the negative effects of the outbreak of the pandemic.

The pressure, either through internal or external factors for the student and teachers

are overwhelmed parallel to the economic curved and graph. Physical and face-to-

face meetings, lectures, outings have been prohibited since March last year when

the government-imposed Movement Control Order (MCO) has been enforced to

flatten the curve of the outbreak (Bernama, 2021).

Other than the problems of coping with online classes, the implementation of virtual

learning has also increased the workload for the students. Some lecturers have

been assumed to increase the number of coursework to assess the students. This

situation have been presupposed to cause the increment of stress among the

students.

Particularly in Malaysia, the news of an expectedly educated student commit suicide

due to the pressure of a so-called new norms of learning has captured and

motivated the exploration for this paper (Noorazura, 2021). Sadly, to be taken into

account, not only one student, but two students have allegedly died due to immense

pressure of the current academic environment that is grounded solely on virtual

and online means (Ruwaida, 2021).

Although the real causes of the death of the two students are by having internal

bleeding (Zaid Salim, 2021), but speculations have aroused that their main causes

are tremendous stress as they cannot cope with the contemporary challenges of

107

online learning. Many critiques have raised their concerns on the need for catering

the well-being of mental health, or to be more general, the psychology of the

students in this turbulent state.

Hence, this paper is esteemed to explore and project the spiritual values and

positive psychology that seems to provide hope to strengthen the inner self of

students to be as the basic arsenal to be utilised to grasp other important skills

during university journey that later provide avenue to be a holistic student and

subsequently increase their potential on graduate employability.

The paper discussed critically the role of spiritual values (religious value) and

positive psychology (mental strength) in nurturing the future leader (student) to

acquire and sharpen their skills, build up their personality and to find the right

identity to shape a proper and strong integrity thus making the graduates highly

marketable.

The paper discussed the concept and the significance of spiritual values and

psychological strength to be instilled from the beginning of the graduates‘ journey as

early as year one; and this process needs to be embedded in the student activity

and programme in at least 60% rate if not 100%.

Theoretically, we believed that the combination of the two elements (spiritual values

and positive psychology) is the duo-element that harmonised, if not the best

ingredient, for nurturing basic inner attitudes that later build up strength to acquire

advanced skills throughout their stay in the university before venture into the job

world. The precise and important information is portrayed in the framework below.

108

Figure 1. The framework of the research based on the constructed parameter of

Teacher-Student Paradigm

In this paper, the concept of ‗‘teacher-student‘‘ relationship being emphasised

rather than an education-capitalist concept of ‗‘Teacher-Customer‘‘ relationship. It

is believed that student and teacher is a sacred relationship rather than by product

relationship and student-centred approach that from this paper view is deviating

from the many positives outcomes as compared to ‘‘teacher-student‘‘ relationship.

The paper advocates the above opinion and concept considering traditional and

modern approach of teaching and learning in the discussion.

Student Program

&

Curricul

Holistic Graduates+ Higher

Within the parameter of Teacher-Student Paradigm NOT

Teacher-Customer Orientation

Religious Value + Mental

Strength

POSITIVE

PSYCHOLOGY

SPIRITUAL

VALUES

Problem Solving

Willing to Learn New

Responsibility

Accountability

Perseverance

Determination

Integrity

109

Literature

The role of residential colleges in coping with the contemporary challenges will be

highlighted. We will also be discussing about how to conduct in the term of spiritual

and psychology. The process in develop the spiritual among the students has

influenced and impact the psychology well-being. This kind of spiritual need to have

a good term with psychology in the way to make the good leader and can be the

good employer when they work.

According to a psychologist, Palkee Baruah (2016), spirituality is a very important

element in nurturing the student‘s well-being. Although her writing is not about the

current turbulent situation, but her premises are relevant to be implied in

understanding about the well-being of the student. In concordance with her writing,

she theorized that giving students with more chances to ‗connect with their inner

selves‘ really assist their growth in their skills, either in the form of academic or

leadership, that helped to enhance their psychological well-being, improving their

own life.

On another note, as this paper is esteemed to examine the relations between

spirituality and psychology as duo elements that are important to nurture students‘

skills, therefore it is important to also review the importance of psychology.

Another psychologist, Dr. Itai Ivtzan (2016), wrote that psychology and spirituality

are intertwined between each other. He argued that their relationship can be

epitomized in the axiom that he coined, feet on the ground, head in the sky. As

psychology is scientific in nature, therefore it is grounded mostly on empirical data

that are deeply rooted in empirical knowledge and sensual experience. Otherwise,

spiritual is about the soul, hence empirical data and sensual experience cannot

described, therefore idealistic in nature. Those two are needed and complimentary

in each other to realize life‘s full potential, as well as to take proper actions for the

well-being of life.

110

Methodology

The methodology implied for this paper is constructed based on qualitative design

through descriptive method using the content analysis.

The concept and theory have been brainstormed by the think tank, the supervisor

and manager of Psychosocial Learning Hub also the Spiritual and Ethics Bureau in

MALTEN student residential hall. Furthermore, a number of student leaders who are

active in organising, coordinating, and participating in student residential hall

program had been called for group discussion. Moreover, the group discussion also

involved staff who work closely with both Psychosocial Learning hub and Spiritual

and Ethics Bureau; this is to get and compare similar themes risen from the

discussion.

Themes from the discussion later have been gathered and further brainstorm

among the investigators to came out with the best and harmonised themes and

solution to the student‘s traits that will increase student skills, integrity, employability

opportunity.

Discussion & Conclusion

Student and staff who work closely within the student residential hall have a better

access of information and they agree that spiritual values and a good psychology

mental state is the key to nurture‘s student skills, identity and good personality. The

duo-elements need to be instilled in student‘s programme and curriculum at least

60%-70% of the activities. The module can be a direct program with spiritual and

psychology themes or program with indirect duo- values instilled within the program

structure. However, since both element is quite subjective, it need a well-trained

person not necessarily from the designated background but most importantly with

good intention and highly motivated in holistic development student development. It

is believed that with the ‗‘basic duo-element‘‘ the values of responsibility, integrity,

accountability, honesty, determination, problem solving skills and perseverance can

be instilled throughout the program and prepared the student prior to job market.

111

Limitations

There are a few limitations that we have found when conducting this study, which

are the approach taken, small amount of samples to collect the data, limited past

research, and different epistemological framework.

Firstly, we conduct our study purely through qualitative approach. Hence, some of

the data that have been collected may not be objective and can be exposed the

bias of the researchers that may lead to unjust judgements and analysis on the

topic. Secondly, due to time constraint, we are not able to collect data from more

samples. This situation may lead to the inaccuracy of the results and also may not

represent the whole population of the residences of residential colleges in UUM.

Next, we also believed that the limitations in this research are due to the limited

nature of past research to integrate the duo elements. Hence, this situation has put

us in the position where there are limited resources of references that our search

engine is able to provide. Furthermore, the paradigm that we have constructed,

involving the integration between spirituality and psychology has different

epistemological framework, as spirituality is not empirical in nature, differentiating

itself from psychology that is empirical in nature.

Lastly, we believed that the discourse of spirituality and psychology discussed in

this paper is heavily influenced by the nuances of Western thought. Hence, future

research based on the paradigm of Islam as the tradition is widely accepted in

Malaysia should be conducted to have more practical and comprehensive approach

as the solution to Malaysian students contemporary challenges.

112

References

Baruah, P.: (2016). https://www.practo.com/healthfeed/spirituality-and-students-

24428/post, last accessed 2021/07/29

Bernama.: https://www.astroawani.com/berita-malaysia/guru-pelajar-dan-ibu-

bapa-semakin-sesuaikan-diri- dengan-pdpr-309866, last accessed

2021/07/23

Itzvan, I.: (2016). https://consciouswater.com/blogs/blog/psychology-spirituality-a-

complimentary-relationship, last accessed 2021/07/29

Lovelace, J., & Thompson, J.: When a student dies. Middle School Journal,

31(5),

19-22. (2000).

Rahim, M. S.: https://www.utusan.com.my/berita/2021/06/3-9-juta-warga-digital-

malaysia-mampu-pelopori- kaedah-bayaran-tanpa-tunai-pm/, last

accessed 2021/07/23

Rahman, N. A.: https://www.bharian.com.my/berita/kes/2021/07/837942/pelajar-

uitm-kedah-meninggal-dunia- disyaki-akibat-tekanan-belajar, last

accessed

2021/07/23

Zain, R. M.: https://www.bharian.com.my/berita/nasional/2021/07/838066/uitm-

ucap-takziah-kepada-keluarga- dua-pelajar-meninggal-dunia, last

accessed 2021/07/23

Salim, Z.: https://www.bharian.com.my/berita/nasional/2021/07/838310/pelajar-

uitm-merangkak-ke-bilik-ibu- bapa-mengadu-sakit-kepala, last accessed

2021/07/23

113

SOCIAL MEDIA AS A TOOL TO DISSEMINATE INFORMATION AMONG STUDENTS IN RESIDENTIAL COLLEGE OF UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA

TERENGGANU (UMT)

Mohamad Safuan Azhar Kolej Kediaman, Kuala Nerus, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu

Faculty of Fisheries and Food Science, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu

Siti Syazwani Azmi Kolej Kediaman, Kuala Nerus, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu

Institute of Oceanography and Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu

Nik Aziz Nik Ali Kolej Kediaman, Kuala Nerus, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu

Faculty of Fisheries and Food Science, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu nikaziz@umt.edu.my

Ahmad Fadhli Hamzah

Engku Nurul Aima Tengku Amri Kolej Kediaman, Kuala Nerus, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu

Abstract

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) plays an important role in the

innovation and progression of an organisation. The use of social media has

changed the landscape of communication between an organisation and its users

in governing the system and enhancing information delivery. The present study

implies the importance and effectiveness of social media as an information

disseminator among students in the residential college of UMT. A sample size of

400 respondents residing in the residential college of UMT was randomly se-

lected to answer a questionnaire-based survey divided into Section A and B fo-

cusing on the college‘s social media. The data obtained from the survey were

analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.

The findings revealed that UMT students prefer to use Instagram and Facebook

to receive an information in the visual form. Meanwhile, WhatsApp and Telegram

are the preferred messenger platforms used by them. In conclusion, students are

well-informed with all the information posted regarding the programme, events or

activities organised by the residential college through college‘s social media.

114

Keywords: Social media, UMT, information disseminator, university students.

Introduction

Media social is a platform used for communication or dissemination of

information among people from all over the world. According to the Institute of

Language and Lit- eratureMedia is defined as a tool or intermediaries in

communication or relationship, whereas social is engagement with the society

[1]. Human life, today, is well-exposed to easy-to-use electronic devices as these

devices are easy-to-get in the marketplace. The electronic devices which have

become a necessity in the daily lives of humans such as mobile phones, iPad,

laptops, desktop computers and digital camera [2].

Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter and Telegram are the most popular

apps used for social interaction, dialogue, communication and collaboration

between two parties [3]. The users are able to exchange ideas, post updates and

comments, or participate in activities and events while using the apps. For

instance, WhatsApp and Facebook are popular apps to communicate and

interact with friends especially among the university students. These social

networking apps are used from general chit-chat to a serious discussion among

them either for education purposes or business. Nowadays, online social

networks (Facebook, Twitter, Blog, Plus Share, etc) have lead significantly

towards human communication, where the interaction patterns may have a pro-

found impact on the way people communicate and connect [3].

University is the freedom place for students to choose any kind of sports, events,

activities, clubs, or any else without any hesitation. Programme or event held in

the university usually open for all students from different races as for students to

enhance their soft skills, talents and abilities inside them. Therefore, university

students often known about any events held in their university through

WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. Media blasting through the apps

plays important rules in making sure the information regarding the programme is

well-received by students. The aims of our study are; 1) to identify preferable

types of social media used by students, 2) to deter- mine the most suitable types

115

of social media for the dissemination of information among students and 3) to

identify the effective methods for dissemination of information through a different

medium.

Literature Review

Social media

Social media is categorised into four, namely; 1) online networks and ecosystem

such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and Twitter, 2) online publications such as

YouTube, Flickers, RSS and Slide Share, 3) online collaboration platforms like

MediaWiki and blog and 4) online-based feedback system [4]. These categories

are mainly used for information delivery among academicians, governance or

private workers, politicians, etc.

Apart from acting as an information delivery system, social media also improves

an organisation's service to consumers, interaction with stakeholders, and

provides access to broader information for a better management of organisational

information. Relevant to the current study, the use of social media like Facebook,

Twitter and Instagram by residential colleges is perceived as a new era to

improve e-governance efficiency by improving information sharing system with

others on achievements, management, facilities, student activities and more.

Additionally, social media also helps in increasing transparency, improve the

quality of comfortable communication facilities, increase revenue growth and

revenue through low promotion/recruitment costs and reduce the administrative

costs of a residential college. Internet-based applications have significantly

reduced the cost of collecting, distributing, accessing information, saving

resources and establishing new mechanisms for integrating organisations with

users. Social media is a key channel to enhance the system of information

delivery with the involvement of students who are actively involved in residential

development and student activities in residential colleges [5].

The advantages and features of social media are important for users like student

leaders or college management as providers or sources of information in

enhancing the process of information delivery. Features including ease to upload

videos, pictures and comments contributed to the use of social media in

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transforming electronic information delivery systems [6]. Hence, it has become a

medium supporting the management of residential colleges in communicating

information to their viewers along with other conventional methods such as

emails, memos, letters and posters.

Social Media as Information Dissemination

Today, the use of social media as a platform of communication enables the online

community to engage in various social activities such as interacting with others

and making new friends [7]. The main function of social media is to aid in

communication or information sharing with other users. It provides an opportunity

for users to access information, send messages, discuss and provide more critical

views and opinions on various issues [8]. Moreover, it allows students to convey

their opinions or views to the management of the college easily and quickly.

Students can directly chat and express their point of view through college‘s social

media without having to discuss face-to-face. Besides that, social media helps

students to create a positive influences in solving problems or issues related to

the interests of other social media users [9]. This function enables social media to

create a more democratic and open system of information delivery to voice

opinions or express feelings [8].

Within the university community, students, faculty members and staffs usually

used email for formal and informal communication [3]. Most students used social

media like Facebook or WhatsApp as an electronic discussion forum for a formal

or informal discussion. Some instructors and student groups used online

microblogging system like Twitter to disseminate information. Email, instant

messaging, discussion forums, blogs, aggregate sites and virtual worlds are the

most common forms of communication which enables relationships building and

strengthening among users [10].

Social media provides a two-way communication space for users. For instance,

any program organised by the residential college can reach a large target of

participants at a low cost compared to traditional methods like flyers. This is

because, from the media blasting in social media, it makes the information

spreading instantaneously among the

117

users regardless of time and location [11]. In addition, social sites such as

Facebook, Instagram and Twitter have attracted users to actively participate in

spreading information, especially within the university community. For example,

residential college in UMT has created a Telegram Channel as a way to blast-

related information to its residents. We observed this kind of information

disseminator helps student in received an updated from time to time related to

any issues in residential college.

On the other hand, social media is used by everyone from students to

housewives, public and also private-sector workers [12]. They used social media

for various purposes such as searching for information, adding social contacts

and business partners. Since the function of social media is quite broad, users

must use it wisely and cautiously to improve the information delivery process.

This is because, through social media engagement, it can affect communication

satisfaction among users either the information can be read or distribute to others

effectively [13].

Methodology

This study used quantitative methods to obtain data to answer the objectives and

research questions undertaken. A total of 10 questions were included in the

questionnaire form that was distributed covering a few scopes namely

demographics, publicity, information quality and communication satisfaction. A

random sample of 400 respondents living in the residential college UMT was

selected to provide their feedback through the distributed questionnaire using

Google Form. The questionnaire consisted of two sections, A and B. Section A

contained all the personal information of all residents, while Section B contained

questions regarding social media of the residential college together with the

effective dissemination of information among students. A 5-point Likert scale

(Score 1: Strongly Disagree, Score 2: Disagree, Score 3: Neutral, Score 4:

Agree, Score 5: Strongly Agree) were employed in Section B.

The questionnaire was pre-tested with 20 students who were randomly selected.

This pre-test was conducted to test the items presented in the form. The survey

118

allowed respondents to fill out the questionnaire easily, whereby their data was

easy to interpret. The data obtained were analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics

version 20.

Results

Respondent Demography

Table 1 illustrates the respondent demography which included gender, age, race,

religion and level of education of students living in a residential college. There

were more female (72.5%) respondents compared to males (27.5%). Majority of

the respondents were aged between 21–25 years (61.7%) followed by

respondents between 15–20 years old (35.7%), 26–30 years old (1.75%) and 31–

35 years old (0.75%). Most of the students living in residential college were

Malays (84.2%) followed by Chinese (6.75%), Indians (5.25%) and others

(3.75%). Hence, the Islamic religion was the dominant religion (87.2%) in the

residential college of UMT. The other religions included Buddhism (6.75%),

Hinduism (6.0%), Christianity (1.5%) and others (0.5%). In terms of the

educational level, most of the respondents were pursuing their Bachelor‘s Degree

(88.5%), with some on Foundation (5.0%) and Diploma (4.0%) studies.

Meanwhile, six respondents were pursuing their Master‘s Degree and four Doctor

of Philosophy.

Table 1. Demography of Respondents

Item Category Frequency Percentage (%)

Sex Male 110 27.5

Female 290 72.5

Age 15–20 143 35.7

21–25 247 61.7

26–30 7 1.75

31–35 3 0.75

Race Malay 337 84.2

Indian 21 5.25

Chinese 27 6.75

119

Others 15 3.75

Religion Islam 349 87.2

Hindu 16 6.0

Buddha 27 6.75

Christian 6 1.50

Others 2 0.50

Education Level Foundation 20 5.00

Diploma 16 4.00

Bachelor‘s degree 354 88.5

Master‘s degree 6 1.50

Doctor of philosophy 4 1.00

Normality test was done to determine the normality of the data obtained from the

questionnaire through descriptive analyses (Skewness & Kurtosis) as depicted in

Table 2. The distribution of data is considered normal if the skewness and kurtosis

values ranged between -1 to +1 [14]. The data obtained in this study were

normally distributed as the values were within range. Methods used for the

dissemination of information in our questionnaire were renamed as the quality

and feedback received among respondents with a mean of 3.81±0.60 (Table 2).

Table 2. Descriptive Statistics (Skewness & Kurtosis)

Besides the normality test, reliability analysis was also performed based on

Cronbach‘s Alpha value using SPSS (Table 3). The Cronbach‘s Alpha of media

social of residential college was 0.73. Cronbach‘s Alpha value above 0.60 is

considered acceptable and is of high reliability [17]. Therefore, the dimensions

obtained from this study were con- sidered acceptable.

Table 3. Descriptive Statistics (Reliability Analysis)

Variables

Mean Standard De-

viation

Skewness Kurtosis

Statistic Std. Error Statistic Std. Error

Quality and 3.81 0.60 -0.11 0.12 -0.32 -0.24

Feedback

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Dimensions Number of Items Cronbach‘s Alpha

Quality and Feedback 6 0.73

Reachable Applications Visual Platform

Table 4 indicates the types of social media frequently accessed by students in

the residential college. Instagram was the most famous tool (51.7%), followed by

Telegram (Channel) (26.0%), Facebook (19.0%) and Twitter (3.3%).

Table 4. Types of Social Media Frequently Visited by Students in the Residential

College of UMT

Types Frequency Percentage (%)

Facebook 76 19.0

Instagram 207 51.7

Telegram

(Channel)

104 26.0

Twitter 13 3.3

Fig. 1. Types of Social Media Frequently Visited by Students in the Residential College of UMT

Table 5 represents the types of college‘s media social that have been

followed by students. Instagram recorded the highest (39.0%), followed by

Facebook (38.5%), Telegram (Channel) (22.0%) and Twitter (0.5%).

Twitter Instagram Telegram (Channel)

Facebook

250

20

0

15

0

Types of Social Media Frequently Visited by Students in the

Residential College of UMT

Fre

qu

en

c

y

121

Table 5. Types of Media Social Followed by Students in the Residential

College of UMT

Types Frequency Percentage (%)

Facebook 154 38.5

Instagram 156 39.0

Telegram

(Channel)

88 22.0

Twitter 2 0.50

Fig. 2. Types of college‘s media social that have been followed by students

Messenger Platform

Table 6 illustrates types of applications preferred by students in

disseminating notifications and information regarding programmes

organised by the residential college. Most of the respondents preferred

WhatsApp as the primary information disseminator (44.0%). While some

respondents preferred to receive information through Telegram (26.0%),

Instagram (20.25%), Facebook (8.25%) and Twitter (1.5%).

Table 6. Most Reachable Applications

Types Frequency Percentage (%)

Twitter Telegram

(Channel)

Instagram Facebook

160

12

0

80

40

Types of college‘s media social that have been followed by students

Fre

qu

en

c

y

122

Facebook 33 8.25

Twitter 6 1.50

Instagram 81 20.3

WhatsApp 176 44.0

Telegram 104 26.0

Fig. 2. Types of applications preferred by students in disseminating

notifications and information regarding programmes organised by the

residential college.

Information Dissemination

Table 7 indicates the types of information delivered through the college‘s

social media and their feedback on the effectiveness of the information

posted on social media. Based on the results, most of the respondents

preferred visual forms such as video (4.26±0.79) compared textual

(3.26±1.06) or poster (3.52±1.18). Furthermore, a majority of the respondents

agreed that all the information provided in social media were well-informed,

reachable and informative with mean values of 3.98, 3.99 and 3.87,

respectively.

Telegram

WhatsApp

Instagram

Twitter Facebook

0

50

100

150

200

Types of applications preferred by students in disseminating

notifications and information regarding programmes organised by

the residential college

Fre

qu

en

c

y

123

Table 7. Types of Dissemination of Information Prefer Among

Students in Residential College

Items Mean Std. Dev.

I'm interested in the dissemination of

information in textual form

3.26 1.06

I'm interested in the dissemination of

information in video form

4.26 0.79

I‘m interested in the dissemination of

information in poster form

3.52 1.18

I can easily understand about the

information of the program posted in

college‘s social media

3.98 0.79

Social media of residential college

are reachable

3.99 0.84

The information posted in college's

social media are complete and

informative

3.87 0.82

Discussion

Social media has become an essential element in our daily life regardless of

ages for messaging, calling or disseminating an information. The successfully

developed online applications are easily assessable and low internet cost. Such

applications including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter and many more,

have improved communication (nearby or long-distance) with others. Social

media is an excellent platform to be used in organisations like residential

colleges to transform the delivery system of administrative information and

activities or programme among students. An active participation from students,

staffs and the public through social media can help residential colleges to

improve their quality of services including system governance and efficient

information delivery.

The incorporation of social media in residential colleges has encouraged

students, staffs or even the public to share information with the college

administration regardless of the issue. In short, consumer satisfaction with the

quality of information and communication needs to be measured to determine the

124

effectiveness and acceptance of social media in increasing the involvement of

students and public with the governing agency such as residential colleges in

universities [13]. Therefore, the use of social media such as Facebook,

WhatsApp, Twitter and Instagram help enhance an efficient information delivery.

Results obtained from the present study revealed that a majority of respondents

receive information on any events, activities or programs organised by the

residential college through Instagram and Facebook. This observation was

prevalent among respondents aged between 15 to 25 years who are

categorised as teenagers. This group of respondents are likely to be interested

in infographic, pictorial and video-based applications. Similarly, one-third of

American teens visited Snapchat (35%), YouTube (32%), Insta- gram (15%),

Facebook (10%), while Twitter, Reddit or Tumblr are the sites often visited by

them [15]. This trending pattern can be a major contributor in advertising any

information regarding events, activities or programmes organised by the

residential college through Instagram or Facebook. Students are likely to spend

most of their time on these applications compared to the others. Besides that,

WhatsApp and Telegram have become the communication-based applications

used in daily life especially for messaging. These applications are the most

popular among students as its reachable and fast- receiving information

through their mobile phones.

In terms of the quality and methods used to deliver the information of the

programmes held in university, most of the respondents preferred to receive

information in the form of visual compared to the textual form of content. All the

contents or information of the programmes or activities held in university that

have been posted through residential college‘s social media, are well-received,

reachable and informative among students. The accuracy, correctness, latest,

quick and reliable information help increase commu- nication satisfaction and

acceptance of social media among students, staffs and the pub- lic to

communicate with the administration of a residential college. The notion that

the quality of information on social media plays an important role in displaying

updated information about the organised programmes [16].

125

Conclusion

In general, the present study found most of the UMT students living in

residential col- lege used most Instagram and Facebook as the main college‘s

social media to look at for any updates related to any issues or programme held

in UMT. Students are preferred to receive the information or media blasting

through these apps (Instagram and Face- book) and more interested in visual

form compared to textual form. However, students are still used other apps such

as WhatsApp and Telegram as their personal platform for communication.

Therefore, present study helps to address the importance of social media used

in the dissemination of information, especially among students living in

residential college.

Acknowledgement

The authors would like to thank the financial support from Residential College,

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (Vot 63245), and Nurul Fariha Yusof as part of

teammates during the discussion of the paper.

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128

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF STUDENT’S RESIDENTIAL MANAGEMENT’S INFORMATION SYSTEM AMONG YMU STUDENTS DURING PANDEMIC

COVID-19.

Nurul Aqidah Hizmah binti Mohd Hassan Abdul Haziq bin Abd Kongid

Ng Lim Soon Norhuda Aqilah binti Zainal

Jafni A. Ibrahim Azhar Anis Mohammad

Mohd. Farhan Ismail

Abstract

The pandemic Covid-19 has given rise to much latest information that needs to

be shared with students immediately. Hence, the pandemic Covid-19 has

caused many students to have low awareness of the latest information. The

purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of student‘s residential

management‘s information system during this pandemic Covid-19 among

Yayasan Albukhary and Bank Muamalat Student Residential Hall (YMU)

students. The non-probability sampling method was accomplished in a random

distribution of self-administered questionnaires to more than 200 students from

YMU Student Residential Hall. The results of this study show that it has mixed

results on the effectiveness of student‘s residential management‘s information

system. Also, some improvement of student‘s residential management‘s

information system among YMU Students during pandemic Covid-19 are

suggested in this study.

Keywords: Communication, Information System, Management, Student

Residential Hall

Introduction

An information system is a collection of components that collect, store, and

process data and provide information, knowledge, and digital products. (Zwass)

129

Now that we have looked at the various components of information systems let

us look at the role of information systems in organizations. So far, we have

looked at what an information system's components are, but what do these

components do for an organization? As we can see from the definitions above,

these components collect, store, organize, and distribute data across the

organization. Thus, one of the functions of information systems is to convert

data into information, which is then transformed into organizational knowledge.

Yayasan Albukhary and Bank Muamalat Student Residential Hall (YMU) have

around 3200 students. Residential management must provide students with

accurate information through the Leadership and Student Development

Committee. So, Whatsapp, Instagram, and Facebook are two-way

communication platforms with the student. As we all know, students already use

these platforms regularly. Because most of the students stayed at home during

the covid-19 pandemic, we have chosen online communication platforms as our

primary information systems. Even if students are in different states, information

can be delivered.

The number of Covid-19 cases has been increased throughout Malaysia,

including in Kedah. This caused several students of Universiti Utara Malaysia to

be infected with Covid-19. The increase in cases among students started when

students returned from their hometown after the Eid Mubarak holiday.

Therefore, the Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO) was enforced from

June 13 to June 26, 2021, to break the covid- 19 chain among students. (Daim,

2021) The Covid-19 outbreak has spawned much up- to-date information that

needs to be immediately shared with students. The information shared is related

to the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) that needs to be followed by

students during EMCO at UUM. At the same time, the information has caused

many students to be less aware of the latest information.

Generally, this study aims to propose a systematic information system for

Yayasan Albukhary and Bank Muamalat Student Residential Hall (YMU).

Therefore, a survey will be conducted to see the effectiveness of existing

130

information systems such as the YMU Facebook page, YMU Instagram page,

and Whatsapp in delivering information to students, especially during this

pandemic. This paper is organized as follows: Section II recommends previous

studies on information systems, Section III states the Overview of the Proposed

Method, Section IV states the Results and Discussions, and Section V is

allocated for Conclusion.

Research Objectives

To identify the quality of student's residential management's information system

among YMU students.

To analyze the efficiency of the upward flow of communication towards YMU

students.

To recommend a systematic information system for YMU students.

Literature review

Everything must be improved in this 'Work From Home (WFH)' era to achieve

the maximum technology capacity. The same goes for our information system

(IS) in YMU. On a research paper studied, this paper had done researches on

34 different views on the definition of IS by using the hermeneutic approach.

From their research, IS was a technology that can improve the socio-technical

view and process view, including the interconnection and the activity orientation,

respectively (Cecez-Kecmanovic, 2015). Based on a research paper, by

increasing IS, the quality of the system, information, and service improves

positively for their performance in an organization. To get the best impact on

using IS, the better the connection and system, the better the quality of work

produced by the users (Narasimhaiah Gorla, 2010). From the University of

Ibadan Postgraduate School, research was conducted to study students'

satisfaction using the IS by using a conceptual model. From their findings,

positive feedbacks were obtained. Unfortunately, some dissatisfaction on

account of users' IT self–efficacy was detected. Thus, they made some

131

recommendations to satisfy all the users in their university portal system (Molola

B.O. Ajoye, 2014).

In Isfahan Power Plant Management Corporation, Iran, research was made to

answer whether the Management Information System (MIS) implemented may

effects personnel that can cause resistance on them or not. From the research

made, it can be seen that only individual resistance affects personnel and not

group – social and organizational resistance. To detailed the research, if the

person was affected as a group– social or organizational resistance it was

considered not affected by the resistance. As the managers were affected more

by organizational resistance thus, the implemented MIS does not cause

resistance to personnel (Mohammad Hossein Moshref Javadi, 2010).

Meanwhile, in the University of Education Winneba, Kumasi Campus, research

on the impact of MIS was done on the teaching and learning skills of their

students, lecturers, and staff there. By implementing MIS, comprehensive

studies can be seen to show positive results as MIS help them to utilized and

efficiently get all the information needed with very high-quality information (Antwi

Amankwah Bright, 2019).

Based on another research made, the problems and the importance of MIS

were studied. The problem usually occurs when they are not careful enough with

the information obtained as all the answers in their management system was

provided by computer simulation and gaming techniques, as not all the

information may be helpful to them. However, with the help of a virile and

functional MIS, this problem can be avoided (Adeoti- Adekeye, 1997). A

research paper discussed the problem and the solution that can be achieved

using MIS in an organization. As studied and understood, the main problem

associated with MIS was more on the usage and how to maximize the utilization

of MIS. MIS was more of a science-oriented field, but with the help of a good

management team that can find a way to do an orientation on using the MIS to

workers, this problem can be overcome easily (Nowduri, 2014).

132

Based on research located in Bahrain, a study comparing two selected financial

organizations was made to identify whether there were any differences in their

skills in planning, strategically and tactically by using MIS for both organizations.

The research covers all of the personnel with different management levels in

order to get detailed findings. Based on their findings, MIS helps more strategic

planning in decision-making for both organizations than tactical planning, which

does not affect them at all (Karim, 2011).

As researched, MIS brings more advantages to students as it can help them

with their management. Thus, implementing MIS in YMU will bring more

advantages to the students as it does not affect any resistance to students

themselves, and MIS can also help them to plan and control their processes and

operations, to help deal with uncertainty, and also to help them in adapting to

change or, indeed, initiating change because they can obtain information quickly

(Mohammad Hossein Moshref Javadi, 2010). From a research paper, a

recommendation was made. In order to fully enhance the usage of MIS, all the

management personnel needs to be brief first so that they can make a better

decision with all the information obtained through MIS that was designed related

to the organizations (Karim, 2011). Other recommendations were to enhance

administrative decision processes so that decision making, policy analysis,

formulating, planning, monitoring, and management at all levels can be an

accurate, effective MIS operation should be adequately available.

On top of that, the governments should assist in providing these MIS equipment

to perfect the network design, which is the goal of the computerized MIS project

between the various universities campuses (Antwi Amankwah Bright, 2019).

From a research recommendation, in which, they propose to the university

authorities. Since system, service, and information qualities were significant to

users' satisfaction, the university authority should implement and enforce an IT

policy that will ensure the efficient management, timely maintenance, and

upgrade of the information system to maximize users' satisfaction. Also,

ensuring training of technical and support staff can help maintain the

133

effectiveness of the university portal that will be satisfied by all users (Molola

B.O. Ajoye, 2014).

Methodology

The research design of our research is quantitative research. This is because

quantitative research is research where the aim is to find out the relationship

between independent variables and dependent variables. For example, our

research aims to find the effectiveness of student's residential management's

information system among YMU students during pandemic Covid-19.

The data collection method that our group has chosen is a questionnaire. A

questionnaire is a set of questions that have been set up to be used for the use

of survey and study. Although there are many other data collection methods, our

group has chosen this method because it is convenient. It allows us to get more

respondents at a time for the use of our study. Next, we chose the

questionnaire because it helps to get fast results. This is because, as we know,

the questionnaire enabled us to reach out to many people at a time. Thus, this

helps us to get the results as soon as possible. Finally, we chose YMU students

as the population, and the number of populations was 3,200.

Development of Questionnaire

Our questionnaire included sections A, Section B, Section C, Section D, and

Section E. Section A consists of demographic respondent questions.

Meanwhile, Section B, Section C, Section D, and Section E consist of

independent and dependent variables. Each of the variables includes three

items.

Method and Procedure of Data Collections

134

We have distributed the Google Form, which virtually consists of all questions

and items because of the Covid-19. The current situation is not allowed or

encourage any physical activity because it is dangerous. Therefore, we have

created a Google form that consists of five sections. The Google Form was

distributed via online social media such as WhatsApp and Facebook to avoid

any violations of SOP and prevent the spread of Covid-19.

In getting respondents for our research, we have decided that we will take a

sample from the population of YMU students. Therefore, among 3,200 YMU

students, 200 respondents were randomly chosen as the sample for this

research. Two hundred YMU students were asked about system structure,

efficient communication, service quality, and system effectiveness to identify the

effectiveness of student's residential management's information system among

YMU students during pandemic Covid-19s. Once we received 200 respondents,

we rearranged the data into an Excel file because it was easier to determine.

After that, we keyed in the data into the SPSS system for the analysis process.

Results & findings

Respondent Profile Gender

Gender

Frequency

Percent

Valid

Percent

Cumulative

Percent

Female 114 57.0 57.0 57.0

Male 86 43.0 43.0 100.0

Total 200 100.0 100.0

The total respondents were 200 students. Regarding the Gender table, the

majority gender as the respondents in this research is female, which are 114

students and same as 57% and followed by 86 students are male, which is also

the same as 43%. From here, we conclude that the mode of respondents'

gender is female. Furthermore, the number of female students who become the

respondents in this research is higher than that of male students. From here, we

135

can state that the student in Yayasan Albukhary and Bank Muamalat Residential

Hall (YMU) students' majority are female, as, in YMU, there are only four

portions of male and 12 portions of female students' block. Thus, female

students are more than the male students who had become the respondents of

this research.

Age

Frequency

Percent

Valid

Percent

Cumulative

Percent

20-21 103 51.5 51.5 51.5

22-23 95 47.5 47.5 99.0

24-25 2 1.0 1.0 100.0

Total 200 100.0 100.0

The total respondents were 200 students. Regarding the Age table, the majority

age class as respondents in this research is 20 to 21 years old, which are 103

students and is also equal to 51.5% of total respondents—followed by the Age

of 22 to 23 years old, which is 95 students from this Age and also equal to

47.5%. For the Age of 24 to 25 years old, two students are equal to 2%.

Furthermore, the numbers of students who were becoming respondents in this

research are from the age class of 20 to 21 years old are higher than students

from age class of 22 to 23 years old and 24 to 25 years old. Therefore, we can

state that the mode of an age class of respondents is 20 to 21 years old. This is

because the intake for a semester of A202 is highest than the intake batch of

the previous semester.

Race

Frequency

Percent

Valid

Percent

Cumulative

Percent

136

Chinese 49 24.5 24.5 24.5

Indian 14 7.0 7.0 31.5

Malay 137 68.5 68.5 100.0

Total 200 100.0 100.0

The total respondents were 200 students. Regarding the Race table, the

majority race becomes respondents in this research is Malay which is 137

students, equal to 68.5%, followed by Chinese students, which is 49 students,

which also equal as 24.5% and only 14 Indian students, which equal as 7% that

become respondents in this study. From here, we conclude that the mode of

respondents' race is Malay. Furthermore, the number of Malay students who

become respondents is higher than other races, Chinese and Indian.

Therefore, we can state that the mode of race is Malay since 137 Malay

students had become the respondents in this research.

Semester

Frequency

Percent

Valid

Percent

Cumulative

Percent

2 81 40.5 40.5 40.5

3 1 0.5 0.5 41.0

4 57 28.5 28.5 69.5

5 3 1.5 1.5 71.0

6 54 27.0 27.0 98.0

7 4 2.0 2.0 100.0

Total 200 100.0 100.0

The total respondents were 200 students. Regarding the Semester table, the

majority age in respondents is semester 2, which is 81 students equal to 40.5%,

followed by 57 students from semester four, which same as 28.5%, 54 students

of semester six, which equal as 27%, four students of semester seven which

equal as 2%, three students of semester five equal as 1.5%, and one student of

137

semester three equal as 0.5%. From here, we conclude that the mode of

respondents' semester is semester two students. Furthermore, the number of

students from semester two, 81 students who had become respondents in this

research, is higher than in another semester. Therefore, we can state that the

mode of the semester is semester two since there are 81 students.

System Structure

To measure students' awareness with the information given

I am aware of the information given

Frequency

Percent

Valid Percent

Cumulative Percent

1 55 27.5 27.5 27.5

2 62 31.0 31.0 58.5

3 35 17.5 17.5 76.0

4 33 16.5 16.5 92.5

5 15 7.5 7.5 100.0

Total 200 100.0 100.0

The total respondents were 200 students. Regarding the table, most

respondents in this research stated that they disagree that 62 students equal

31%. Followed by 55 students equal as 27.5% strongly disagree with the

statement, 35 students equal as 17.5%, state that they neutral with the

statement, 33 students equal as 16.5% agree to the statement, and 15 students

equal to 7.5% strongly agree to the statement. From here, we conclude that the

mode of respondents' statements based on the statement disagrees.

Furthermore, the number of students that stated disagree with the statement is

higher than 62 students. From here, we can state that the mode based on this

statement is the students disagree, which 62 students disagree. This is because

there are many platforms of information resources until they are unaware of the

information given due to which platform they have to focus on.

To measure students‘ satisfaction with the information given.

138

I am satisfied with the information given.

Frequency

Percent

Valid Percent

Cumulative Percent

1 21 10.5 10.5 10.5 2 36 18.0 18.0 28.5

3 47 23.5 23.5 52.0 4 70 35.0 35.0 87.0

5 26 13.0 13.0 100.0

Total 200 100.0 100.0

The total respondents were 200 students. Regarding the table, most

respondents in this research stated that they agree with the statement, which 70

students equal as 35%. Followed by 47 students equal as 23.5% neutral to the

statement, 36 students equal as 18% state that they disagree with the

statement, 26 students equal as 13% strongly agree to the statement, and 21

students equal as 10.5% strongly disagree with the statement.

From here, we conclude that the mode of respondents' statements based on the

statement agrees. Furthermore, the number of students that stated agree to the

statement is higher than 70 students. Therefore, we can state that the mode

based on this statement is that the students agree, which 70 students agree.

This is because of the latest information from the Student's Residential Hall's

management about UUM domestic information.

To measure students' awareness of the student residential management's

structure.

I am aware of the student residential management's structure.

Frequency

Percent

Valid

Percent

Cumulative

Percent

1 11 5.5 5.5 5.5

2 47 23.5 23.5 29.0

3 65 32.5 32.5 61.5

139

4 65 32.5 32.5 94.0

5 12 6.0 6.0 100.0

Total 200 100.0 100.0

The total respondents were 200 students. Regarding the table, most

respondents in this research stated that they both agree and are neutral to the

statement, which both 65 students equal as 32.5%. Followed by 47 students

equal as 23.5% disagreed with the statement, 12 students, equal as 6%, stated

that they strongly agree with the statement, and 11 students equal at 5.5%

disagreed. Therefore, we conclude that the mode of respondents' statements

based on the statement agrees and is neutral. Furthermore, the number of

students who stated agree and neutral to the statement is higher than 65

students. From here, we can state that mode based on this statement is that

students agree and neutral, which are both 62 students agree and neutral to the

statement. The students always keep updated on the latest management

structure, including the latest Residential Hall's Principal, Vice Principal, and the

latest Student's Leadership and Development Committee, especially during the

"Road Show" held every year.

To measure students' trust with the information given by student residential

management.

I believe the information given by student residential management.

Frequency

Percent

Valid

Percent

Cumulative

Percent

1 22 11.0 11.0 11.0

2 42 21.0 21.0 32.0

3 64 32.0 32.0 64.0

4 55 27.5 27.5 91.5

5 17 8.5 8.5 100.0

Total 200 100.0 100.0

140

The total respondents were 200 students. Regarding the table, most

respondents in this research stated that they are neutral to the statement, which

64 students equal as 32%. Followed by 55 students equal as 27.5% agree with

the statement, 42 students equal as 21% state that they disagree with the

statement, 22 students equal as 11% strongly disagree with the statement, and

17 students, equal to 8.5% strongly agree to the statement. From here, we

conclude that the mode of respondents' statements based on the statement is

neutral. Furthermore, the number of students who stated neutral to the

statement is higher than that of 64 students. From here, we can state that mode

based on this statement is the students neutral, which 64 students neutral to the

statement. This is because they still get confused about the latest information

and do not know which resources they can rely on.

To measure students' awareness to seek help from whom in student residential

management structure.

I am aware to seek help from whom in the student residential management

structure.

The total respondents were 200 students. Regarding the table, most

respondents in this research stated that they are neutral to the statement, which

64 students equal as 32%. Followed by 58 students equal as 32% agree to the

statement, 40 students equal as 20% state that they disagree with the

statement, 21 students equal as 10.5% strongly disagree with the statement,

and 17 students equal as 8.5% strongly agree to the statement. From here, we

conclude that the mode of respondents' statements based on the statement is

neutral. Furthermore, the number of students who stated neutral to the

Frequency

Percent

Valid

Percent

Cumulative

Percent

1 21 10.5 10.5 10.5

2 40 20.0 20.0 30.5

3 64 32.0 32.0 62.5

4 58 29.0 29.0 91.5

5 17 8.5 8.5 100.0

Total 200 100.0 100.0

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statement is higher than that of 64 students. From here, we can state that mode

based on this statement is the students neutral, which 64 students neutral to the

statement. This is because they do not really know to whom they have to refer

to if the students have a problem, either that they have to refer to the Principal,

Vice Principal, or even Student's Leadership and Development Committee. The

flow of the information system is not that clear, and the students are not aware

of that until they face the problem.

Efficient communication

To measure the information's timeliness

The information is always timely.

YMU Facebook

page

YMU Instagram

page

YMU Whatsapp

group

Mean 3.06 3.35 2.98

N 200 200 200

Std. Deviation 1.159 .975 1.058

According to the table above, the mean score of the YMU Instagram page,

which is 3.35, is higher than the YMU Facebook page (3.06) and YMU

Whatsapp group (2.98). From here, we can see that YMU students agreed that

the information given from the YMU Instagram page is always timely compared

with the YMU Facebook page and YMU Whatsapp group. It means that YMU

students always receive the latest information on time through the YMU

Instagram page.

To measure the information's accuracy

The information is always accurate

142

YMU Facebook page

YMU Instagram

page

YMU Whatsapp

group

Mean 2.99 3.13 3.16

N 200 200 200

Std. Deviation .985 1.046 1.016

The table above indicates that the YMU Whatsapp group has the highest mean

score, 3.16, compared with the YMU Facebook page and YMU Instagram page,

representing 2.99 and 3.13. Therefore, YMU students are more likely to trust

information shared in YMU Whatsapp than the YMU Facebook and the YMU

Instagram pages. Thus, we can say that YMU students always receive accurate

information through the YMU Whatsapp group because all information shared is

reliable.

To measure information's relevance

The information is usually relevant.

YMU Facebook page

YMU Instagram

page

YMU Whatsapp

group

Mean 3.06 3.19 2.97

N 200 200 200

Std. Deviation 1.108 1.080 1.070

Based on the table above, the mean score of the YMU Instagram page, which is

3.19, is higher than the YMU Facebook page, which is 3.06, and the YMU

Whatsapp group, which is 2.97. It indicates that YMU students think that

information given by the YMU Instagram page is always relevant. Meanwhile,

the YMU Whatsapp group with a 2.97 mean score indicates that certain

information shared in the group is irrelevant. For example, some students would

promote their business product and club's program in the group, unrelated to the

student residential hall. Hence, YMU students are more likely to use the YMU

Instagram page because the admin always shares relevant information.

Service Quality

143

To measure support admin's technical competency

The support admin is technically competent.

YMU Facebook page

YMU Instagram

page

YMU Whatsapp

group

Mean 2.88 3.33 3.10

N 200 200 200

Std. Deviation 1.119 1.107 1.032

The table above indicates that the YMU Instagram page has the highest mean

score, 3.33, while the YMU Whatsapp group has 3.10 and the YMU Facebook

page has the lowest mean score of 2.88. As we were known, the Facebook

page is more complicated to manage than the Instagram page and Whatsapp

group. This is because it has extra functions, and at the same time, it requires

support admin to be technical. However, the Instagram page and Whatsapp

group are easier for support admin to manage because they are simple. Hence,

students assumed that the support admin for the YMU Instagram page and

YMU Whatsapp group is technically competent because the admin could get the

response quickly.

To measure support admin's response rate

The support admin is fast in attending to the complaint.

YMU Facebook

page

YMU Instagram

page

YMU Whatsapp

group

Mean 3.03 3.07 3.09

N 200 200 200

Std. Deviation .992 1.163 .993

The table above shows that the speed of support admin in attending to the

complaint. Based on the table, the support admin of YMU Whatsapp with the

mean score of 3.09 is fast in attending to complaints compared with the YMU

Facebook page, which is 3.03, and the YMU Instagram page, which is 3.07.

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This is because Whatsapp as a communication application has become a daily

routine in our life. According to Malaysia Digital Marketing Statistics 2020,

there is 60% of Malaysians using Whatsapp. From here, we can say that the

support admin of the Whatsapp group is fast in attending to complaints because

Whatsapp has become a daily routine application used by Malaysians.

To measure support admin's reliability

The support admin is very reliable.

YMU Facebook

page

YMU Instagram

page

YMU Whatsapp

group

Mean 3.12 3.05 2.99

N 200 200 200

Std. Deviation .886 1.113 .992

The table above indicates that the support admin is very reliable on the YMU

Facebook page because it has the highest mean score, 3.12, compared with the

YMU Instagram page (3.05) and YMU Whatsapp group (2.99). As we mentioned

before, the Facebook page's management is more complicated than the

Instagram page and Whatsapp group. Therefore, the support admin must be

knowledgeable and professional in managing the YMU Facebook page. Hence,

YMU students positively perceive that support admin of the YMU Facebook

page is very reliable because of their knowledge and skills.

System effectiveness

To measure the effectiveness of the overall system quality

The overall system quality is effective.

YMU Facebook page

YMU Instagram

page

YMU Whatsapp

group

Mean 2.91 3.33 2.93

N 200 200 200

145

Std. Deviation 1.094 1.112 .959

According to the table above, the overall system quality of the YMU Instagram

page with the mean score of 3.33 is more effective compared with YMU

Facebook Page (2.91) and YMU Whatsapp group (2.93). This is because

Instagram, as one of the social media applications, focuses on the image while

Facebook and Whatsapp focus on the text. Therefore, YMU students are likely

to use the YMU Instagram page because of the excellent quality of the image

and great visual to the viewers.

To measure the effectiveness of the overall information quality

The overall information quality is effective.

YMU Facebook

page

YMU Instagram

page

YMU Whatsapp

group

Mean 2.97 3.13 3.13

N 200 200 200

Std. Deviation 1.022 1.101 1.009

The table above indicates the information quality of the YMU Facebook page,

Instagram page, and Whatsapp group. Among these applications, the YMU

Facebook page's information quality is ineffective because it has the lowest

mean score, which is 2.97. Meanwhile, the YMU Instagram page and Whatsapp

group have the same mean score, which is 3.13. From here, we can say that

YMU students are satisfied with the overall information quality of the YMU

Instagram page and Whatsapp group. This is because these applications

encourage two-way communication and engagement between student

residential hall management and YMU students. Therefore, students positively

perceive that the overall information quality of the YMU Instagram page and

Whatsapp group is adequate.

To measure the effectiveness of the overall service quality

146

The overall service quality is effective.

YMU Facebook

page

YMU Instagram

page

YMU Whatsapp

group

Mean 3.13 3.10 3.05

N 200 200 200

Std. Deviation .982 1.051 1.074

Based on the table above, the mean score indicates that the YMU Facebook

page's service quality is more effective than the YMU Instagram page and

Whatsapp group. Students are more satisfied with the service quality because

the YMU Facebook page always organizes a live program that could benefit

students. Compared with the Instagram page and Whatsapp group, the

Facebook page is more convenient and easier for any live program. For

instance, the Facebook page could set a reminder to send notifications to

students that remind them to join the live program. Other than that, students also

could watch back the live program if they are not available at that time. Hence,

we can say that the overall service quality of YMU Facebook is effective

compared with Instagram page and Whatsapp group.

Conclusion

In Conclusion, our research study had completed and generated many findings

of the relationship among independent variables (effectiveness, efficiency, and

systematic) and dependent variables (information system). Based on our

research, it can be concluded that all these independent variables had positive

influences on the information system of Yayasan Albukhary and Bank Muamalat

Student Residential Hall's management. Therefore, the hypothesis had been

fully supported with the data analyzed through the survey conduct. According to

our research, effectiveness is the independent variable that had the most

significant influences on the information system than other independent

variables, as proven in our analysis's coefficient table.

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Recommendation

On the other hand, there are several recommendations that we would like to

suggest in this research. First, we suggest that Yayasan Albukhary and Bank

Muamalat Residential Hall's Management create a Management Information

System (MIS). The rapid evolution of computer technology is expanding man's

desire to obtain computer assistance in solving more complex problems:

problems considered solely in the domain of man's intuitive and judgemental

processes, particularly in organizations, a few years ago. Information systems

are becoming of ever more significant interest in progressive and dynamic

organizations. The need to obtain access conveniently, quickly, and

economically makes it imperative to devise procedures for creating, managing,

and utilizing databases in organizations. For example, the MIS can be accessed

by the student using their UUM Portal. The MIS is a platform that can

communicate between the students and the Residential Hall's management.

Having this MIS will ease the student to give feedback or report regarding the

residential hall facilities just through the system and does not have to go through

long bureaucracy physically. As this is during pandemic COVID- 19, it also helps

to reduce physical contact.

We also recommend that Residential Hall's management centralize the

Management Information System (MIS) system with the UUM Student app. As

before, there are only including UUM Attendance, UUM Portal, and UUM Online

Learning. In this suggestion, we suggest that the MIS is also included in the app.

This is because it is much easier for the student to access the MIS. Thus, this

app will also help the student get the latest information from the Residential

Hall's management through the notification from the app itself. This will help the

student become more aware of the latest information, and it eases the student

to give feedback to the Residential Halls' management team.

Limitations and Directions for Future Research

148

Limitation could be defined as the impact from other factors which the

researcher cannot control. The uncertainty of these impacts would restrict the

research accuracy as it influenced the research findings. After going through

the whole research, we discovered several limitations that we faced in our

research. The first limitation of our research is the sample size. As our research

focuses on YMU students, the number of participants should be more than 200

since YMU has over 3,200 students. Unfortunately, in this research, we only

manage to get 200 respondents to participate. The insufficient respondent in this

research might have influenced the outcomes since these sample sizes could

not represent the whole population of YMU students.

We believe that this limitation is closely related to the following limitation: the

data collection process. As we all know, we are currently encountering the

covid-19 pandemic. The data collection process is minimal. Since most physical

contact is restricted, we can only rely on the online platform to collect the data.

In this research, we had created a google form type of survey to blast out to

YMU students. Although online surveys bring advantages such as the lower

cost, they might also generate threats such as the low participation rate. In

addition, online surveys generally had a lower response rate than offline surveys

(M. Siva Durga Prasad Nayak, 2019).

Besides, the reliability of the respondent's answer is also one of the issues. In

online surveys, respondents are tempted to choose the scale's midpoint when

they fill up the survey form. Therefore, the findings of the research would not be

accurate. This statement could also be supported by (Bobby Duffy, 2005),

where researchers cannot determine whether the respondent is answering the

survey thoughtfully or not.

149

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150

THE MANAGEMENT EFFECTIVENESS OF YAYASAN ALBUKHARY AND BANK MUAMALAT STUDENT RESIDENTIAL HALL (YMU) DURING COVID-

19 PANDEMIC MOVEMENT CONTROL ORDER

Muhammad Farhan Bin Abu Hassan Nur Ain Adilah Binti Abu Hari

Nur Syazwany Binti Sanny Nur Fakhira Amani Binti Abd Ghani

Jafni A. Ibrahim, Azhar Anis Mohammad Mohd. Farhan Ismail

Abstract

During Covid-19 pandemic, most of the students were located according to

crucial arrangements made by Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) management to

ensure their comfortability, and security. With the greatest number of students,

Yayasan Albukhary and Bank Muamalat Student Residential Hall (YMU) are

comprising of selected students from Reserve Officer Training Unit (ROTU),

National Golf Academy (AGN), Police Undergraduate Voluntary Corps (SUKSIS)

and Student Leadership and Development Committee (JKPS). As the situation

of Covid-19 becomes critical in UUM, students‘ well-being is becoming top

priority of YMU management. When lockdown status has been implemented

around UUM, it has become challenging issues for YMU management to ensure

comfortability, and security of these students only with a small number of its

staff. Therefore, this study is conducted to investigate the practices of YMU

management handling students in residential halls in a pandemic Covid-19

situation. Interviews with YMU management were conducted on the issues of

safety, comfortability, and security. As results from the study, the management

practices of YMU on pandemic situations were recorded and some challenges

issues were highlighted. Also, this study has proposed some management

improvements to overcome the challenges identified.

Keywords: Management, Effectiveness, Safety, Comfortability, Security

Introduction

151

Management is an integral part of any organization. How well an organization is

managed under specific circumstances can make or break it. Nick Van Dam, &

Marcus, J. (2016) define management as the (theory of) managing an

organisation. Management is made up of the people who are in charge and who

lead the organisation. Hence, effective, and efficient management is the sole

reason for any organization‘s success. Efficiency and Effectiveness are different

and combined lead to an unstoppable result orientation which feeds success

(Ahmed, 2015). It is imperative for an organization to strive for effective

management. Ahmed (2015) cited effective means the ability to choose

appropriate goals and achieve them, while efficient means the ability to make the

best use of available resources in the process of achieving goals. Effective

management practices are often an open-ended subject in conversations and

are usually tailored to any organization‘s specific needs and requirements.

However, there are a few common parameters that are most often taken into

consideration when assessing the reliability of an organization‘s management

and determining how effective the management really is. Management

effectiveness is linked to the extent to which a management function is defined,

which can differ significantly from one organisation to another. By setting

individual and team goals that are aligned with the organization's strategic goals,

an effective performance management system ensures that there is a

continuous process of performance improvement. This includes conducting

performance reviews and evaluations, as well as ensuring the training and

development of knowledge, skills, and abilities (Kozlowski, 2012).

Yayasan Albukhary and Bank Muamalat Residential Hall (YMU) is one of the

college residences that provides accommodation for the students inside the

campus of Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM). This college residential stands out

among the others as the students are composed of those who are involved in

special forces such as Reserve Officer Training Unit (ROTU), National Golf

Academy (AGN) and Police Undergraduate Voluntary Corps (SUKSIS). Initially,

YMU was formed during the year of 2020 that combines two college residentials

which are Yayasan Albukhary Residential Hall (YAB) and Bank Muamalat

Residential Hall as they are located within a close-range distance compared other

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listed college residentials. During the pandemic of Covid-19, only selected

students that are concerned with special forces will be living in YMU due to high

convenience on preparing facilities specifically for them, along with the Student

Leadership and Development Committee (JKPS) who will assist the college

residential‘s management on overseeing the student‘s welfare. Therefore, those

who are presumed to be living in YMU but are not amongst the special forces will

reside in other college residential halls.

As an arising of the pandemic Covid-19, Malaysia‘s National Security Council

has instructed to implement Restricted Movement Control-Order (RMCO) in UUM

which evolves in creating a bigger issue yet challenging for YMU‘s management.

Thus, this issue has concerned the student‘s security and comfortability due to

the limited number of staff working during RMCO. A conflict will arise within the

management in creating a cohesive implementation on ensuring the students live

comfortably in YMU yet guarantee their safety from getting risk of being affected

with the disease that may result in increasing the number of COVID-19 cases.

Overall, the objective of the research is to present the effectiveness in

management of Yayasan Albukhary and Bank Muamalat student residential hall

(YMU) during Covid-19 pandemic movement control order. In order to achieve

the objective, all of the procedure and structure of the issue of security and

comfortability obtained by conducting the interview to the principal of the student

residential hall, the staff, and also included the president of YMU. As results

from the study, the management practices of YMU on pandemic situations were

recorded and some challenges and issues were highlighted. Also, this study has

proposed some management improvements to overcome the challenges

identified. The rest of this paper is organized as follows: Literature Review,

states the Methodology of the research paper, states the Results and

Discussions, and allocated for Conclusion.

Research Objectives

153

The general aim of this study is to analyse the management effectiveness of

Yayasan Albukhary and Bank Muamalat Student Residential Hall (YMU) during

Covid-19 Pandemic Movement Control Order. The specific objectives are:

To examine the prevailing conditions of student security at YMU Residential

Hall.

To examine the management practices for students' comfortability at YMU

Residential Hall.

Literature Review

Effectiveness of the management

As cited by Chijioke Kenneth, E., & Charles Chukwunwike, E. (2020), the

concept of management the word "management" has been used in different

contexts. It can be conceptualized as an activity, process, economic resource,

team, academic discipline, or group. However, this research focuses on the

effectiveness of the management in YMU Residential Hall in order to maximize

the security and comfortability of the students. Student residential hall

management is part of the broader scope of facilities management.

Effectiveness is about how people perform their value in creating tasks. In

business, effectiveness can be applied to many parts of business activities. In

terms of efficiency, a business is successful if its employees are able to

complete their assigned tasks. Effectiveness increases as employees perform

their tasks correctly on a more regular basis. This involves appropriate

communication, technology, organisational and individual expertise, and

resources.

In this research, it will be more focused on the effectiveness of student welfare

management as UUM‘s management has regulated all the student residential

hall‘s management to oversee the comfortability of student housing by ensuring

all of the rooms are in a good shape. Each task has been done in accordance

with the Standard Operation Procedure (SOP) that has been outlined by the

National Security Council. During the pandemic, a few procedures have been

154

amended in accordance with the current situation. Throughout EMCO, all UUM

students have been instructed to do a self-quarantine in their room and the

meals were distributed by the authorities, involving Principal, Fellows, Staff

Members, and Volunteers from the Student Affairs Department. In order to avoid

such contact that may affect the spreaders of such disease, they are required to

wear a semi-PPE outfit when giving the meals to the students, which consists of

an outer apron, surgical mask, face shield and gloves.

Security

When such growth of facilities has been established, it is expected to be

furnished with adequate facilities, quality of service, preferred location and

neighbourhood, affordable price and sufficient security to appeal to students

(O.N. Osazuwa, C. O. Iroham, A. O. Oluwunmi, 2021). Whereas, when we talk

about security, management strives to ensure that all of the students feel safe in

order to avoid any chaos occurring within the campus that might trigger their

emotion on knowing that there are students who have been exposed to the virus

and are living amongst them. Therefore, the university‘s management has

resolved this issue by implementing some preventive solutions such as

assigning a number of guards to monitor the people that went inside through the

main gate.

Not only that, the main gate will be closed followed by a time schedule that has

been set up to ensure that students and staff may enter the campus without

bringing any contact residue from the outsiders that will cause the virus to

spread. However, those who reside in the campus are advisable to stay within

the campus in order to control the movement throughout the main gate.

Furthermore, students are allowed to leave their room with permission to take

their food that has been sent at the checkpoint that has been coordinated by the

college residential management. In regard to their health, Fellows will contact

students who may have a risk of being infected due to experiencing such fever,

which will be passed on to the selected authority, University Health Centre (PKU)

for further updates regarding their current health conditions.

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Comfortability

Comfortability may be described in terms of two situations: which are

uncountable (comfort; the state of being comfortable) and countable (comfort;

the state of being comfortable) (the degree to which something or someone is

comfortable). Comfortability" plays in the process of becoming more successful.

Comfortability, which is defined as the degree of comfort students experience

when staying at YMU Residential Hall, is also concerned with how secure a

student feels while staying in a residential hall under the efficient supervision of

the personnel (Kiener et al., 2014). In the YMU Residential Hall, management is

focusing more on the comfortability of the facilities provided. (Simpeh. F., 2018)

Facilities are an integral part and a contributor to the teaching and learning

environment of universities. Examples of facilities provided are fully furnishing

accommodation where Chijioke Kenneth, E., & Charles Chukwunwike, E. (2020)

mentioned that one of the most important educational assets for students in the

tertiary institution is that of accommodation. A complete training court

(badminton and basketball court), student lounge, football field, and parking

area are also provided in YMU Residential Hall.

For any damages, students can lodge their report at the YMU Residential Hall

office. All the damages reported need to be written in the lodging book at the

management‘s office of the YMU residential hall. The damages will be referred

to the Development and Maintenance Department (JPP) by the assigned staff, if

the damage reported is major and a big costing is needed. For minor damages,

such as a broken lamp or a malfunctioning fan, only technicians from the

residential hall will be assigned to check the damage and fix it. Other damages

involving a lack of Wi-Fi connection, the problem will be fixed by the UUM

Information Technology Department (UUMIT). During the RMCO at UUM, all the

damages that happened needed to be held until RMCO ended. Unless the

156

damages are less, it will be repaired by the assigned technician. The technician

needed to wear a half-PPE in order to enter the quarantine area.

Research Methodology

The proposed method in this paper is designed to analyse how the management

runs the residential hall effectively during Covid-19 Pandemic Movement Control

Order. A qualitative research approach was adopted for this study; this approach

was selected because it allowed the management to interpret their experiences

by conducting an interview session with them. Semi-structured interviews can be

considered an ideal method for researchers as it allows them to have a better

understanding on how the interviewees react towards a sudden outbreak faced

by the world. Adams, William. (2015) highlighted that semi-structured interview

employ a blend of closed- and open-ended questions, often accompanied by

follow-up why or how questions. Moreover, they can be adapted in any research

related to the ways on how the management may apply such experience, as all

of the people have faced them, which can be overcome by devising proper

internal controls such as safety guidelines, standard operating procedures and

other related policies within their organization.

A few predetermined questions have been asked to the interviewees and a few

additional questions that are not planned in advance are also included during the

interview sessions. Those qualitative data was collected through two media

which are an audio recording as well as written response which can become a

reference for this research. The interview approach also helped to generate an

extensive list of challenges (Simpeh. F., 2018), which have been identified

based on the experience told by the interviewees.

Findings and discussion

This section discusses the procedures and challenges faced by the

management of Yayasan Albukhary and Bank Muamalat Student Residential

157

Hall (YMU) during the implementation of MCO and RMCO. In this section also,

researchers have come up with the solutions for the respective challenges.

Procedure

A number of procedures has been outlined that vary with different levels, which

are on UUM management, requested from the Deputy Vice Chancellor Office,

guidelines regulated by the National Security Council, directive actions taken by

the YMU‘s operation centre as well as authoritative order implemented by

YMU‘s management office.

Requested from Deputy Vice Chancellor Office

Management staff are required to collect all of the students' information (name,

matric number, identification card number, room‘s number, contact number) who

are accommodated in the YMU residential hall in order to summarize the total of

male and female YMU students. The YMU students are comprises of those from

the Reserve Officer Training Unit (ROTU), National Golf Academy (AGN), Police

Undergraduate Voluntary Corps (SUKSIS) and Student Leadership and

Development Committee (JKPS) which have been distinguished and segregated

based on their units in each residential buildings that have been set for them

during the early registration admission in UUM for the session A202, 2020/2021.

If any YMU student has testified for positive Covid-19 or suffered any symptoms

of Covid-19, the management are required to detect the source of infection

covid. In order to prevent the students from leaving the residential building, the

management has also put-up caution tapes to barricade the building from being

entered by any outsiders during RMCO. All of the data and statistics gathered

on students‘ personal information must be aligned with the ones that was

possessed by UUM‘ Student Accommodation Centre. The data collected must

also include the details on the total of students that were isolated at Bukit Kachi

which will be distributed to the Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia.

158

Requested by the Malaysian Ministry of Health

Students that have been identified for positive covid must undertake a phase of

isolation at Bukit Kachi in order to separate them from uninfected students so

that each contact and movement will be traced for further investigation. Later,

students who are suspected to become a close contact with the positive covid

students will be notified and all of their details will be passed on to the Ministry of

Health (MOH) through the University‘s Health Centre. MOH will then contact the

notified students to be isolated at Bukit Kachi.

Directive Action Taken from YMU’s Operation and Control Centre

An operation and control centre were operated continuously at a strategic

location in YMU‘s residential hall in order to monitor any problems that faced by

the students during RMCO. All of the students' data who were isolated as well

as the ones that went back to campus has been written down on a board at the

centre which can be updated from time to time. For YMU students who have

already gone through the isolation phase at Bukit Kachi, they will be staying in a

new room at a different residential building temporarily as a precaution from

affecting other students who have not been isolated and the prior room

accommodated by infected students will be sanitized by the Health Centre.

According to one of the interviewees, only the rooms that were accommodated

by a positive covid students only will be sanitized and not to those who were

only identified as a close contact and have testified negative after undertaking

swab test twice. The students may return to stay in their old room after it has

been fully sanitized.

Authoritative Order Implemented by Management Office of YMU

159

The division of tasks was done by doing a rotation as have been inscribed in the

SOPs set by the National Security Council. The staff will work based on the time

schedule and some of the tasks involve doing an inspection on room keys,

examining any possible damages as well as handling the distribution of meals to

students during RMCO. Most of the tasks done by the staff involve distributing

meals as they have been assigned as one of the volunteers from UUM Student

Affairs Department to help give food to the students. The schedule for food

distribution has been divided into two teams, which are administration staff who

distribute meals for lunch whereas fellows who are responsible for distributing

meals for dinner.

Any complaints from the students regarding damages of facilities will be resolved

and fixed by the staff of YMU management office since JPP departments are not

allowed to enter buildings that have filled for students who are going through the

isolation phase as well as quarantine phase. For the management staff, they are

required to wear PPE according to the implemented SOPs which is a semi-PPE

such as facemask, gloves and disposable plastic apron.

After Students Completed Isolation Phase at Bukit Kachi

Once students at Bukit Kachi have completed their isolation, their details will be

collected in proportion with the number of students who are free from such

symptoms. The residential staff will also have a copy of those data in order to

recognize their room number that they have previously resided in, so that a new

room will be given to them.

Challenges

Based on the data acquired from the interviewees, it has stated a few issues that

have occurred during managing students who are prohibited from leaving their

room during the Restricted Movement Control Order (RMCO). One of the

concerns is regarding the meals and necessities distribution to the students as a

result of excessive food that was caused by food delivery within the campus,

160

which may lead to food wastage as students are not able to finish the meal

given. During RMCO, students are allowed to order food delivery that was run

by a few cafeterias inside the campus that were open for service. In accordance

with Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) that was in force at UUM, the

students are only allowed to have a takeaway instead of having a dine-in at the

cafeteria. Due to this safety precaution, the management is able to minimize the

amount of close contact among them as all of them must stay in their room

throughout the time. However, the management has also attended the

matters of students welfare during RMCO as they provided free meals and

necessities for the students since they are not allowed to leave the college

residential building. As the meals provided have been standardized based on

the menu offered by the cafeteria, the students have started to gradually lose

interest in eating the same menu every day. Therefore, it has caused them to buy

their own food which resulted in having more meals than they regularly have. As

some of them are not able to finish both meals, the issue of excessive food

provided by the management has arisen since they would not take the given

meals. Besides causing food wastage, the management has suffered a loss

when utilizing their budget to prepare the meals and necessities. Another issue

has started to arise regarding the food delivery as there are no standard

operating procedures that were regulated specifically for the students when

picking up the food delivered at their student residential.

Furthermore, all of the interviewees have also indicated that one of the biggest

student-related challenges was their lack of awareness of not following the

SOPs. According to the interviewees, students would just simply ignore some of

the procedures that do not require any supervision as they would do it with the

intention of not being noticed by the authorities. Even though the students are

able to act against it, the management was aware of such activity after

management interrogated recently infected students that have close contact

with students that were confirmed to have positive Covid-19 within those two

weeks of the RMCO. (Simpeh,F., 2018) The disobedience of rules and regulation

is a common problem associated with students. According to the regulated SOPs

in UUM, all of the students must isolate themselves by staying in their rooms only

161

and not meeting any direct contact with other students who reside in different

rooms during RMCO. Such direct contact may only be allowed when all of them

are sharing the same bathrooms. However, some of the students went to their

friends‘ room for pointless activities such as hanging out, having meals with

more than three people as well as sleeping in other rooms. Due to such actions,

these will cause the management to not be able to trace any close contact that

has a potential to be infected. Even if they are staying in one place which is the

student residential, the risk of being infected with Covid-19 is still there, but the

management is able to control the chain of infection if it was caused in one

place only. Apart from that, the interviewees also mentioned that students did

not comply with the SOPs when they received the meals due to a lack of social

distance between them. As the student residential management cannot enter

the residential building to distribute the meals, they can only place them at one

place in each building for the students to take them. Due to no one being

assigned to monitor the process of them receiving the meals because of a

shortage of staff, the students would just disregard the practice of staying at

least one meter away from each other when taking the meals.

Besides that, YMU management is also facing a problem in having some basic

damages in each residential building which have been resolved by fixing them

during RMCO. As those repairs cannot be done by the JPP department, the staff

from the YMU management office had to resolve the issue for a temporary

moment. One of the examples for infrastructure problems faced by the students

are no WIFI connection within the residential building which will usually be sorted

out by UUM Information Technology (UUMIT). However, they are not allowed to

enter the building during RMCO. As students are facing a lack of internet

connection at that time, they are not able to attend their online classes which may

affect their learning. This might result in the students having to use their own

internet data which causes their phone-call budget to increase.

Furthermore, such a situation occurring in the campus has resulted in an

increase of rubbish in every level of the residential building as the respected

staff that was in charge of picking up the rubbish, which is the UPSB staff, are not

162

allowed to enter the residential building. Therefore, the staff has taken an

initiative to pick up the rubbish to ensure the environment of buildings are clean.

Even though the issue has been overcome with a proper solution, the

management must try to resolve the issue of excessive piles of rubbish created

by students who throw away many leftover foods.

Solution

From the challenges highlighted by the interviewees, few solutions have been

created to overcome the challenges. The suggestions for solutions to the first

challenges are not allowing for every food delivery entering the residential hall

especially during RMCO. A notice from the Deputy Vice Chancellor Office stated

that food delivery or cash on delivery from outside stalls or restaurants are not

allowed to enter campus during the period of RMCO. Other than that, the

information centre should be coordinated in relation to meals distribution

between college residentials, SAC, and cafeterias. The coordination such as the

exact total number of students in each residential hall should be well managed

in order to avoid the excessive food and being wasted by the students.

Next, it is advisable to allocate a representative from the Safety Unit as well as

Fellows in each college residential to monitor the students‘ activities from time to

time as it may benefit on minimizing a number of covid cases among the

students. Even though a few Fellows have implemented this initiative, some of

the students do not take this matter seriously when it comes to roaming around

the residential building within a group. Therefore, assigning a representative from

the Safety Unit will slowly instil a sense of uneasiness and anxiety among the

students as they would be afraid to be seen by law enforcement officers if not

complying with the SOPs.

Since there will be an RMCO at UUM at that period, what is the initiative from

students if the damages cannot be repaired is that they should notify it as soon

as possible to avoid any difficulties that the YMU management may encounter.

When issues or damages occur on a regular basis, they do not notify the office

163

of their occurrences. It is common for office management to receive many

complaints of significant damage to residential structures while dealing with a

scenario such as the one that exists at RMCO. It will also make it more difficult

for the YMU administration to determine the exact amount of damage that has

occurred in the building.

Last but not least, it is suggested that students take advantage of any chances

to clean up after themselves in their residential building in order to alleviate trash

issues. Additionally, it will help to decrease the amount of trash produced on

each of the building's floors. Despite the fact that the office staff took the effort to

clean things up, it is also the duty of students to assist them in order to keep their

surroundings as clean as possible. Instead, if the kids see that rubbish has spilled

out of the trash can, they should adopt the attitude of helping to pick it up. They

may survive in better conditions if they are in a healthy environment.

Conclusion

The assessment on the effectiveness of management in YMU Residential Hall is

crucial to achieve the research‘s objectives. In order to achieve this purpose,

observations are needed to monitor how the residential hall is well managed by

the respected management. However, several challenges have limited the

effectiveness of the management during the pandemic, specifically during MCO

and RMCO. Some of the challenges are management-related whilst others

involve student-related issues. The related challenges are such as meals and

necessities distribution, lack of awareness of not following the SOPs, facing a

problem in having some basic damages in each residential building, and an

increase of rubbish in every level of the residential building. The study has

provided invaluable information that contributes to filling the knowledge gap in

the area of procedure to comply and the challenges facing by the management

staff. It is anticipated that by understanding these procedures and challenges

and coming up with the solutions, we will be able to take steps to ensure the

effectiveness of management in order to achieve the security and comfortability

for the students in the YMU Student Residential Hall.

164

References

Nick Van Dam, & Marcus, J. (2016). Organisation and management: an

international approach. London; New York Routledge.

Ahmed, M. (2015). Effectiveness and Efficiency, Management.

Academia.edu. https://www.academia.edu/4632890/Effectiveness_and_

Efficiency_Management

Adams, William. (2015). Conducting Semi-Structured Interviews.

10.1002/9781119171386.ch19.

Simpeh,F. (2018) Challenges Faced By University Hostel Managers In The

Greater Accra Region Of Ghana In: Mojekwu, J. N., Nani G., Atepor, L.,

Oppong, R.A.., Adetunji, M. O., Ogunsumi, L., Ocran, S.P., and Bamfo-

Agyei, E. (Eds) Procs 7th Applied Research Conference in Africa. (ARCA)

Conference, 1-3 August 2018, Technical University of Kenya, Nairobi,

Kenya.

Kiener, M., Green, P., & Ahuna, K. (2014). Using the Comfortability-in-Learning

Scale to Enhance Positive Classroom Learning

Environments. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1035847.pdf

Chijioke Kenneth, E., & Charles Chukwunwike, E. (2020) [Review of Analysis of

Challenges in Managing Students‘ Hostel Facilities in Nnamdi Azikiwe

University, Awka Anambra State, Nigeria]. Iconic Research and

Engineering Journals, 3(7), 81–92.

Osazuwa, O. N., Iroham, C. O., & Oluwunmi, A. O. (2021). Factors Affecting the

Effectiveness Of Maintenance In Postgraduate Hostels In Highly Ranked

Nigerian Universities. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental

Science, 655(1), 012002. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-

1315/655/1/012002

165

COMFORTABILITY OF STUDENTS IN YAYASAN ALBUKHARY AND BANK MUAMALAT STUDENT RESIDENTIAL HALL (YMU) FOR ENSURES THEIR

PSYCHOLOGICAL HEALTH

Mohammad Syamil Zufairi Bin Omar Nurul Nadiah Binti Nizar

Siti Naqiah Binti Abdull Kher Muhammad Alief Aidiel Bin Abdul Shukor

Jafni A. Ibrahim Azhar Anis Mohammad

Mohd. Farhan Ismail

Abstract

Most higher education teaching and learning as well as student services, have

moved to the digital realm due to the Covid-19 pandemic. As one of the

student‘s residential halls in Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), Yayasan

Albukhary and Bank Muamalat Student Residential Hall (YMU) still continues its

services to students who are unable to return to their homes. Due to strict

standard operating procedures of Covid-19 pandemic, changes in the residential

hall setting had a significant influence on comfortability of these residents,

particularly in term of limited movement and interaction between them. These

strict procedures have raised concern on its effects on resident‘s well-being

especially on psychological health. Therefore, this study was conducted to study

comfortability of students who stayed in YMU residence hall throughout the

pandemic focusing on their psychological health. In-depth survey was

conducted with 160 residents from YMU Student‘s Residential Hall. From the

results, the residents have experienced a variety of negative mental states,

including stress, paranoia, loneliness, and boredom. This study also has

proposed management procedures for better residents‘ psychological health

particularly in pandemic‘s lockdown situation.

Keywords: Comfortability, Psychology health, Student Residential Hall

Introduction

166

The World Health Organization declared the new coronavirus disease 2019 a

global pandemic on March 11, 2020. As a result of the threat, government of

Malaysia have put in place safeguards through Movement Control Order (MCO)

to stop the virus from spreading. Despite this, the coronavirus disease continues

to pose significant public health and societal problems. Institutions have taken a

variety of precautions to protect the safety of all persons involved. When the

pandemic hit, colleges and universities shut down campuses and announced

demands to adjust online teaching to safeguard the health and safety of various

stakeholders. Study abroad programmes, university activities, sports, and face-

to-face gatherings were either outlawed or limited in size to prevent contact of

individuals outside of their household, according to social distancing norms.

The coronavirus outbreak has a significant impact on education in UUM

including its YMU Student Residential Hall. Face-to-face meetings are banned

for UUM students due to worries about the spread of infection and cost

containment, and they are replaced by online meeting times. However, there are

some of students who stay at YMU as they do not have a conducive

environment to study at home. On June 2021, UUM has been announced as a

Restricted Movement Control Order (RMCO) area and the students were

prohibited from going out of their room for weeks. While the teaching

environment has benefited from a quick and effective transition to the digital

world, the university living environment has benefited from modern-day

technologies substantially less. As a result, students at YMU Student

Residential Hall are influenced by the pandemic in terms of their psychological

health as their comfortability has been affected.

Given the changing climate, it is necessary to address comfortability, which

necessitates adaptation that will be beneficial in the future. Institutions have

implemented a number of preventive measures to combat the virus as a result

of the pandemic, and for that, many unprecedented developments have

occurred in a short period of time. In this context, we can see that providing a

consistent educational environment, both now and in the future, is critical to

developing sustainable residential communities. However, many of the

alterations have been labelled as "temporary", giving the impression to the

167

general public that these changes will fade away without the need for

intervention.

In light of the COVID-19 crisis, this research first examines the pandemic's

influence on YMU Student Residential Hall environments and how the remaining

residential communities have responded, before recommending sustainable

residential practises that can be tailored to their needs. This study aims to

accomplish three objectives: (1) identify the level of mental health, (2) test the

extent to which the level of effectiveness of online learning influences the level of

mental health, and (3) study whether the comfort level YMU accommodation

affects the level of mental health of students during this pandemic season.

Research Objectives

To identify the level of mental health

University students are being compelled to study online due to the current

circumstances of the covid-19 outbreak that is sweeping the globe. As a result,

online learning has a negative impact on students' mental health. Mental health

is not something that can be taken for granted, as we all know. It can put you at

risk for disorders including stress, depression, and others. Mental health must

be preserved in order for physical health to remain unaffected. Maintaining

mental health is a difficult task because it is influenced by a variety of

circumstances, both internal and external. The most important item to consider

when it comes to internal issues is getting enough sleep. Unbalanced sleep can

contribute to mental health issues as well as other disorders. Furthermore, a

well-balanced diet is essential for maintaining mental wellness. The goal of this

study was to determine the level of mental health among students due to the

global situation.

To test the extent to which the level of effectiveness of online learning influences

the level of mental health.

168

Following the situation that plagued this world, the level of mental health of

students began to decline because they could not go through the learning

process face to face. This will leave a bad impact on the students especially in

the aspect of mental health which can lead to other worse things in the future.

There is no denying that since the advent of this online class, it has changed the

lives of students at the university, especially in terms of mental health. Which is

not the case, students have to face the laptop for hours a day so that some do

not sleep for days to complete a given assignment and to catch up on the date

of the assignment that needs to be submitted. There are even students who

have died as a result of this online learning. This matter needs to be taken

seriously by all parties because this matter is not something that can be taken

for granted nowadays. This study will inspect and analyze the extent to which

this online learning system brings about mental health.

To study whether the comfort level YMU accommodation affects the level of

mental health of students during this pandemic season.

As a result of the scenario, the level of comfort given by the accommodation has

an impact on the mental health of students. This is because students who return

to college will study online and spend more time in their room than in class, thus

they will require the most comfort possible when taking online programs.

Environmental factors also play an important role in ensuring the mental health

of students is maintained during this pandemic season. A conducive

environment can lead to stable mental health for students. However, if the

environment provided by the management to the students is not conducive, it

will lead to the mental health of the students being affected. Management needs

to be sensitive to these environmental factors, especially in terms of hygiene. A

clean environment is a necessity nowadays because it symbolizes the image of

a place. If the environment is clean, comfortable and there are no eating

disorders it will lead to stable mental health. The goal of this study is to see how

much comfort levels affect students' mental health.

Methodology

169

Gender Percentage

Male

Female

Although previous research has identified issues that students in YMU face in

their residence halls, new challenges have surfaced as a result of the pandemic,

and the researchers of this study believe it is critical to investigate how stayers

are dealing with the current situation. In light of this, qualitative data was

gathered through individual interviews in order to have a better understanding of

the stayers' residential experiences. Individual interviews were undertaken since

some students may see mental states/emotional needs as personal and

sensitive matters.

Procedure

The same screening questions were used in all the interviews: (1) How long did

you stay in the hall during the pandemic? (2) What is your motivation for staying

in the hall? (3) Could you tell us about how the pandemic breakout affected your

hall life? (4) What are your thoughts on the consequences? (5) Have you

encountered any challenges with hall life during this time? The probing

approach was developed using this collection of primary questions. After

summarizing the key elements from the interviewees' responses to the primary

questions, the interviewers asked secondary questions; this process proceeded

until the interviewees had no additional comments. Six researchers conducted

the interviews, and an interview protocol was created. Individual meetings lasted

15 minutes on average. The interviews were place entirely in English.

Participants

A comprehensive survey of 160 YMU Student Residential Hall inhabitants (93

females and 67 males) was undertaken.

170

Results & findings

The result is collected from the responses of 160 students who stayed at YMU

Student Residential Hall. The result shows how the pandemic gives impact to

the residential hall environment and the negative emotion felt by the students

under the pandemic. Stayers' self-perceptions of how the epidemic has

impacted them were investigated in this study by asking about their changes in

mental state during the pandemic. Within 160 students, four kinds of negative

effects were identified which are "Stressful," "Paranoid," "Loneliness," and

"Boredom‖.

Within the four categories of negative moods, the category of paranoid has the

highest responses which are 40% of the 160 students. Responses that explicitly

view the virus as a dangerous uncertainty were discovered in the research.

Some students claimed that they got paranoid when people nearby are

coughing. The virus is expressly portrayed as a dangerous unknown in the

responses. The problem of stayers overreacting or underreacting to the

circumstance owing to a lack of knowledge of the infection has also been

addressed, resulting to a paranoid mental state among the stayers. The

category with the second-highest number of answers is boredom which is 30%.

Because of virus prevention concerns, students stated their belief that the

variety of activities available to them in residential halls had considerably

diminished. It was noticed that the pandemic's indirect dullness had a

detrimental influence on the mental condition of those who stayed.

Loneliness and stressful shared a same number of responses which are 15%

each. The increased distance has been seen to cause a sense of isolation, and

as a result, stayers who perceive themselves to be lonely in the setting have

responded. This is due to the fact that the majority of students chose to stay at

home during the pandemic, leaving the pupils who stayed alone. On the other

hand, academic and lifestyle pressures are two types of adaption pressure that

171

cause students to be stressful. Students must adjust to the new method of

teaching while retaining their academic achievement, as most classes have

shifted to the digital realm. Furthermore, virus-prevention limitations adversely

impacted students' lifestyles, putting them under a lot of stress as a result of the

need to adjust. Therefore, students need a great residential hall environment to

stay comfortably and maintain a positive mood during their stay.

Conclusion

In order to guarantee that the residential hall atmosphere remains a viable

educational setting in the face of the COVID-19 epidemic, it is critical to develop

feasible strategies that might reduce the negative effects on stayers. Higher

education institutions are still adjusting to the "new normal" as of this writing.

The effects of the pandemic on the hall environment, as well as how these

changes have influenced stayers' mental states, were scaffolded by conducting

in-depth interviews with the students. Following the consolidation of stayers'

expectations, this study tried to provide practical recommendations based on the

data gathered through interviews in order to sustain and support the stayers'

community. Although the findings may not be applicable to all residential halls

around the world, the study nonetheless serves as a useful guide and resource

for stakeholders on how to address residents' mental health needs in the event

of a pandemic. At this time, it is uncertain how these new residential experiences

will affect the long-term development of stayers.

A qualitative method was utilised in this study to explore stayers' first-hand

impressions of the circumstance since it allows significant flexibility in perceiving

stayers' viewpoints. The distinctive insights provided by a quantitative approach

should therefore not be overlooked. Factors like mental health and connections

amongst stayers may theoretically be tracked and studied statistically.

Furthermore, it was recognised that the pandemic's impact is multifaceted,

suggesting that the issue might be approached from a variety of interdisciplinary

perspectives in the future. Students, for example, have been revealed to have

unfavourable mental symptoms, which could be explored using suitable

psychological theories. Furthermore, the cultural differences between local and

non-local stayers could be examined in order to determine the most beneficial

172

strategy to foster stayer solidarity. This study invites future research to shed light

on university residential communities, in the goal of assuring long-term

sustainability, in light of the highlighted constraints and prospective directions of

discovery.

References

Izwan Nizal Mohd Shaharanee, J. M. (n.d.). The Application of Google

Classroom

as a Tool for. Journal of Telecommunication, Electronic and Computer

Engineering, 5.

Michelle W. T. Cheng, M.-L. L. (2021). Sustaining Healthy Staying Communities

in University. Sustainability, 4-11.

173

STUDENT'S LEVEL OF SATISFACTION ON AMENITIES IN THE RESIDENTIAL COLLEGE, UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA TERENGGANU

Nur Atiqah Maznan

Kolej Kediaman, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu

Nirwani Devi Miniandi

Kolej Kediaman, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu Faculty of Ocean Engineering Technology and Informatics, Universiti Malaysia

Terengganu

Nur Amira Adam

Kolej Kediaman, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu

Nik Aziz Nik Ali

Kolej Kediaman, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu Faculty of Fisheries and Food Sciences Universiti Malaysia Terengganu

Hazniyati Binti Hassan Kolej Kediaman, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu

Abstract

This research was carried out to facilitate the growth of a sustainable residential

campus. Students are in tremendous need of a supportive environment, better

amenities, and resources to achieve a consistent understanding of campus life.

The technique used was a questionnaire-based survey from 400 residential

college respondents in Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, which com- prised three

sections referring to Section A for demographics while sections B and C relate

to satisfaction with the amenities provided in residential college inventory. This

study's amenities emphasise the safety and security around college and

residential block amenities. The data obtained were analysed using the

Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 tools and the

analytical method using descriptive statistics test. The results showed that the

respondents are satisfied with the residential college's safety and security, with

a mean score of 3.60. The respondents are also satisfied with the residential

block amenities, with a mean score of 3.34. The findings of this study led to

174

discussions regarding the availability of services at residential colleges

contributing to increased student quality of life.

Keywords: Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Residential College, Amenities,

Satisfaction, SPSS.

Introduction

Residential college at the university is characterised as a room or physical

building in or an area where students are to be put to stay. According to Darus

(2006), residential colleges are a crucial constituent of the higher education

system, which offers accommodation, food and the quest for university student

development programs. Within the last several years, Universiti Malaysia

Terengganu is one of the universities in Malaysia that shown prominent increase

in the number of students intake. Thus, this has exerted pressure and demand

on the availability of accommodation & well- equipped facilities needed for

students to stay in residential colleges. UMT can only accommodate 5172

students in 8 residential colleges, which have been categorised into two styles

of college; apartment-style residential college and dormitory-style residential

college. The dormitory-style residential college consists of few blocks includes

Ibnu Majah (IM), Ibnu Abbas (IA), Ibnu Jarir (IJ), An Nasai' (ANN), At- Thabrani

(ATB), and At- Tharmidzi (ATT), which can fit students up to 3,072 students.

Meantime, the apartment-style residential college consists of two blocks: Block 1

(Ibnu Sina) and Block 2 (Ibnu Hibban), which can fit students up to 2100

students. There are various facilities provided within the college area, such as

laundry services, an outdoor gym, and internet access for students'

convenience. Facilities at residential colleges also include the provision of

accommodation, cafeteria and learning rooms. Hence, this research is essential

to acquire the information necessary to help identify and develop the amenities

offered by the management of residential colleges that are comfortable and

sustainable thus ensure students with a safer place during their university time.

Problem statement

175

This research was developed from the insufficiency of student satisfaction level

analysis on university residential college amenities in Malaysia since it did not

obtain the required exposure, while it is a significant component for personal

and academic development for students. Therefore, the provision of equipment

and amenities in the residential college should be taken seriously before the

development of the residential college can be established. This study's

amenities emphasise safety and security and residential block amenities within

residential college compounds. Subsequent paragraphs, however, are indented.

Importance of study

This study will support residential college management to identify improvement

areas to alleviate student concerns with their perceptions, desires, and criteria,

making the university a desirable option for prospective students.

Objective of study

The objective of this study was to examine UMT student's satisfaction on the

amenities available in the residential college, which include: (1) Level of student

satisfaction with safety and security around UMT residential college, and (2)

Level of student satisfaction with facilities provided at a residential block in the

College residence of UMT.

Limitation of study

This analysis was carried out only at Residential College Universiti Malaysia

Terengganu (UMT), Terengganu. The population and samples are composed of

students from Residential College UMT. The research also focused mainly on

two factors in the college setting without taking into account any other factors,

namely safety and security and residential block amenities.

LITERATURE REVIEW

Effect of residential college on residential quality of life

176

According to Buyung and Shafii (2016), university residential college has its own

function and influence on student life throughout the university period. Many

researchers have studied the effects of life on campus versus life off-campus

find that living in residential college positively impacts academic and social

development. There are numerous reasons that need to be addressed as a

growing university into a world-class university, one of which is in terms of the

infrastructure and resources that the university offers to students (Kassim,

2012). A distressing environment of residential colleges and the facilities that do

not meet the specifications and needs of students can have a detrimental effect

on residents and therefore lead to a deteriora- tion in the quality of life. Overall,

a strong correlation seems to exist between high- quality facilities and their

significance as an indicator of the satisfaction of student residents with their

respective rooms (Foubert, Tepper, & Morrison, 1998). Therefore, the increase

in the provision of various support facilities will enhance the quality of life of the

residential college.

Residential housing satisfaction from the perspectives of students

According to Abramson (2009), housing satisfaction means the feelings of

satisfaction and joy that develop in the housing environment or in relevance,

interaction between the experience of the resident and his accessibility attitude.

Some researchers say that when students have good, comfortable living

conditions in their student housing, they can perform well in their studies

(Amole, 2005; Hassanain, 2008). Baron et al. (1976) examined the effect of

social density (increasing the number of roommates sharing a double

occupancy) on the perception of congestion between students. Their findings

showed that "Triple residents reported greater crowding feelings, perceived less

control over room events, reported more negative interpersonal attitudes and

witnessed negative room atmosphere in general". Assessment and rehabilitation

of the building is critical in improving the living conditions of the residents as well

as in rectifying any deformities in the infrastructure (Melnikas, 1998). Therefore,

resident satisfaction must be consistently assessed according to the needs of

student housing.

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METHODOLOGY

Population, sample and sample size

The study population consisted of college students living in UMT residential

college from various blocks. Full-time students were selected because they had

at least one semester of the residential college experience and qualified them to

be respondents in this study. In order to facilitate the determination of sample

size, Krejcie and Morgan (1970) have provided a table as a guide to determining

sample size by population size based on the level of homogeneity. However, the

table only recommends a minimum and is encouraged to consider more than

the recommended amount. Because the UMT's residential college has 4098

students, at least 357 students are likely chosen at random as a study sample to

represent the population used. The total sample in this study was 400

respondents, where the number of samples taken at each block is not uniform

according to the population numbers.

Study instrumentation

Since the researchers wanted to implement a quantitative approach in this

study, the researchers chose to apply a questionnaire-based survey to obtain

the required data. The selection of questionnaire instruments is considered to be

most appropriate as there are several advantages to using this method.

According to Best and Kahn (1989), researchers using questionnaires have the

opportunity to build relationships and explain the purpose of the research. It also

allows researchers to achieve a large number of respondents at a time, reducing

the period and expense for the research being conducted.

178

Table 1. Likert scale for answers parts B and C

Justification Abbreviation Scale

Very satisfied VS 5

Satisfied S 4

Neither satisfied

nor dissatisfied

NS 3

Unsatisfied US 2

Very unsatisfied VUS 1

Source Mohd Nawi (2008)

The questionnaire was divided into three main sections in this study, namely A,

B, and C. Section A was related to respondents' background meanwhile,

sections B and C use the Likert scales where the questions were related to

safety and security and residential block amenities, respectively. The questions

presented in this research refer to the instrument used in the study of

Shamsuray et al. (2018). Referring to Table 1, the Likert scale is available in a

five-point scale where the fifth point is very satisfied. The respondent intended to

believe and agree with the statement given simply. Meanwhile, the first point in

the Likert scale was very unsatisfied and was rated as a negative opinion.

Therefore, the respondents require to answer by marking the given space to

fulfil their choice. In addition, the end of the selection scale section also provides

the space for respondents to suggest improvements to the issues discussed.

Table 2. Reliability test

Dimensions No. of items α coefficient

Residential block 7 0.827

Safety 5 0.736

This quantitative section adopted descriptive statistics by calculating the mean

and standard deviation to interpret the data. Referring to Hassanain (2008), two

steps are applied to obtain the mean score value of student satisfaction with

residential college amenities for each item, where the sum of the response

means for each item was multiplied by the number of items. Subsequently, the

sum of the product from the previous step was multiplied by the total number of

179

respondents. The mean score results of the responses on the survey were

interpreted as summarised in Table 3.

Table 3. Mean score indicator

Mean score Justification

≤ 5.000 Very satisfied

≤ 4.000 Satisfied

≤ 3.000 Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied

≤ 2.000 Unsatisfied

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Demographic background analysis

The total number of respondents involved in this study was 400. Out of all the

respondents, the total male students were 150 representing 37.5% of the total

number of respondents while 250 female students represented 62.5%. Thus, it

showed female students were the highest respondents for this study. Most of

the respondents were at the age of between 18 to 22 years old representing

73.5 percent of total respondents. Nearly all respondents were Malaysian with

different races which comprised of Malay (71 %), Chinese (8.3%), Indian

(12.3%) and others (8.5%). Most of the degree students were the residents of

the dormitorystyle residential college (61.5%) and the rest of 38.5 percent were

residents of apartment-style. The overall demographic information is given in

Table 4.

Table 4. Demographic information of the respondents

Demographic

characteristics

Category Frequency

(N=400)

Percentage

(%)

Gender Male 150 37.5

Female 250 62.5

Age Between 18-22 years old 294 73.5

Between 23-27 years old 92 23.0

Between 28-32 years old 6 1.5

Between 33-37 years old 4 1.0

180

Between 38-42 years old 2 0.5

Between 43-47 years old 2 0.5

Between 18-22 years old 294 73.5

Race Malay 284 71.0

Chinese 33 8.3

Indian 49 12.3

Others 34 8.5

Residential

block

Apartment-style residential

college

154 38.5

Dormitory style residential

college

246 61.5

Table 5 shows the overall results for each dimension in the questionnaire, which

reflected the student satisfaction of the residential college. Two dimensions

(Safety and security and residential block facilities) were used in relation to

measure the student satisfaction.

Table 5. Descriptive statistics for student's satisfaction in the residential college

From the above table, mean values for all dimensions are safety and security

(mean value of 3.553), and residential block facilities (mean value of 3.343). To

assess the normality of the data, skewness and kurtosis test methods were

used as it is relatively accurate for both small and large samples (Kim, 2013).

Kim (2013) also suggested that skewness value less than two for sample size

larger than 300 and kurtosis value that does not exceed seven is considered

normal. Referring to above table, skewness and kurtosis values of the data, it

can be concluded that data is normal for further analysis. In general, students

are satisfied with the safety and security and residential block facilities of the

residential college.

Dimensions

Mean

Score

Std.

Deviation

Statistic

Skewness Kurtosis

Statistic Std. Error Statistic Std. Error

Safety and

security 3.553 0.692 -0.244 0.122 0.169 0.243

Residential

block

amenities

3.343 0.767 -0.354 0.122 0.016 0.243

181

Safety and security

Table 6 shows the list of items in the questionnaire about students' satisfaction

to- wards the safety and security of the residential college. It appeared that most

of the students are satisfied with the reassurance about the security in the

residential college. This could be because of the students feel comfortable as

the surrounding area in the college is safe. In order to ensure the surrounding is

safe, other facilities such as streetlights and fire drill should be provided. In this

study, based on items number 3 and 4, students are satisfied with both facilities.

Fire emergencies could give a threat to high-populated students occupied the

residential college (Zakaria et al., 2019); thus, a safety protection system is

provided in all buildings around the residential colleges of UMT. However, the

awareness and knowledge of the students in the resi- dential college of UMT

regarding fire safety measures are still unknown. It is strongly recommended

that residential college management of UMT carry out a program or study

similar to Arifin et al. (2010) to ascertain the students' level of safety and health

awareness.

Table 6. Mean score indicator

Generally, students are satisfied with all items under residential block amenities,

as shown in Table 9. Residential blocks are very important for students as this is

the building where they live in. Providing support facilities and other amenities

are goals for holding a residential college. Therefore, it is able to help students

feel comfortable and enhance their quality of life by creating a suitable

environment for their personal needs (Anuar, Darus, & Yahya, 2006; Buyung,

No. Items N Mean Std. Deviation

1. Security is assured in the Residential 400 3.72 0.914

College 2. Safety information are well communi-

400

3.64

0.898

cated 3. The streetlights in Residential Colleges

400

3.56

1.022

work well

4. Exposure to fire drills is required

400

3.50

1.090

5. Occupational, Safety, Health & Envi-

ronment exposure are satisfying

400 3.35 1.019

Valid N (listwise) 400

182

Shafii, Yusoff, & Buyung, 2018). In studies by Najib and Abidin (2011), student's

actual experience is measured based on perceived satisfaction in certain areas

of the residential college, including study-bedroom, toilet and bathroom and

common and recreation room. This satisfaction will lead to loyal behaviour

among students in which they will stay longer and recommend the house to

others. In addition, students' satisfaction cannot be measured solely on the

place where they live in, but also the physical management or maintenance of

the place and level of the environment, as indicated in a previous study by

Amole (2009).

Table 7. Descriptive statistics for residential block amenities

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the study conducted and the results obtained, it can be concluded that

overall student satisfaction of the amenities provided at residential college,

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu in the two main facilities studied was satisfied.

This research would help residential college management recognise areas of

enhancement to miti- gate student dissatisfaction in relation to their experiences,

needs, and requirements and render the university an appealing choice for

prospective students. The results of this study can be summarised as follows:

No. Items N Mean Std.

Deviation

1. Environment of the blocks, rooms and

toilets are satisfactory 400 3.03 1.115

2. The comfort of the study area is

satisfactory

400

3.36

1.041

3. Adequate room and toilet facilities

400

3.23

1.132

4. Security is assured in the block areas 400 3.48 1.003

5. Complaints about the block have issue

received a good response 400 3.57 1.050

6. Laundry services and clothesline are

satisfactory

400

3.03

1.174

7. Water or electricity supply is satisfactory

400

3.71

1.136

Valid N (listwise) 400

183

Most of the students are satisfied with the level of safety and security around the

residential college, where the street lighting and fire drill facilities need to

improve.

Students are satisfied with the level of amenities in the residential block but

need to improve the laundry services and the environment of the blocks, rooms,

and toilets.

With this study, the residential college management will be able to take the

necessary steps and find ways to improve the quality of amenities to meet

residential college student satisfaction levels. In addition, several survey

suggestions have been furthered to the residential college management for

future improvements to meet student satisfaction.

184

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186

PENGURUSAN PENGINAPAN ISOLASI PELAJAR BERGEJALA DI KOLEJ KEDIAMAN LUAR KAMPUS: AMALAN UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA

TERENGGANU (UMT)

Muhammad Ashraff Aiman Bin Roslan

Nik Aziz Bin Nik Ali

Rohaida Binti Haji Awang

Noorhafiza Hasni Binti Ab Manaf

Shazmirshah Bin Samsuddin Kolej Kediaman, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu

nikaziz@umt.edu.my

Abstrak

Permohonan masuk pelajar berkeperluan seramai 1800 orang ke Universiti

Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) telah diluluskan seiring dengan kebenaran

kelangsungan sektor pendidikan oleh kerajaan bermula pada 1 Mac 2021.

Namun, kebenaran ini perlu berpaksikan kepada pematuhan Prosedur Operasi

Standard (SOP) daripada Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia sebagai teras

panduan UMT bagi membendung penularan wabak Covid-19. Langkah

pencegahan di UMT berperanan sebagai inisiatif utama dengan melaksanakan

SOP dan menyediakan penginapan isolasi luar kampus bagi pelajar bergejala.

Hal ini adalah bagi memastikan pelajar hanya duduk di rumah atau di bilik

isolasi untuk mengurangkan aktiviti sosial di luar setelah mereka menjalani

penilaian risiko di Pusat Kesihatan UMT. Penyediaan penginapan isolasi pelajar

bergejala selama 10 hari atau 14 hari ini membabitkan 3 buah rumah luar

kampus dan beberapa rumah tumpangan yang disewa dengan penempatan 1

orang sebilik dan dipantau secara rapat oleh pihak Pusat Kesihatan Universiti

dan sekiranya pelajar mempunyai sindrom pernafasan akut yang boleh

menyebabkan kebolehjangkitan melalui sebaran titisan pernafasan daripada

batuk atau bersin yang boleh menyebabkan simptom bergejala seperti sesak

nafas dan demam akan segera di bawa ke hospital untuk rawatan lanjut. Objektif

artikel ini adalah berkaitan keberkesanan langkah-langkah pencegahan

penularan gejala Covid-19 yang dilaksana oleh UMT bagi mengelakkan

penularan wabak semasa kemasukan pelajar berkeperluan ke Kolej Kediaman

Dalam Kampus. Langkah yang dilakukan ialah merancang, melaksanakan SOP,

menyediakan penginapan isolasi luar kampus, memantau tahap kesihatan

187

pelajar sepanjang isolasi dan memindahkan pelajar yang telah tiada gejala ke

dalam kolej kediaman dalam kampus. Metode kajian adalah kaedah kualitatif

berdasarkan pemerhatian terhadap keberhasilan UMT mengekang penularan

wabak terhadap pelajar bergejala yang terdiri daripada seramai 26 orang pelajar

badan beruniform dan pelajar berkeperluan khas melalui inisiatif yang

disediakan. Hasilnya, tiada kadar kebolehjangkitan Covid-19 berlaku sepanjang

proses pendaftaran dan isolasi berlangsung. Oleh itu, diharapkan agar

perkongsian pengalaman ini boleh dijadikan rujukan oleh universiti awam yang

lain untuk mengatasi penularan wabak Covid-19.

Kata kunci: Prosedur Operasi Standard (SOP), Penginapan Isolasi Luar

Kampus, Pelajar Bergejala

Latar Belakang

SARS-CoV-2 atau nama lainya Covid-19 yang sebelum ini wujud dan dikenali

sebagai 2019-nCoV merupakan satu wabak penyakit Coronavirus yang telah

diisytiharkan oleh Organisasi Kesihatan Sedunia (WHO) (Mbbs et al., 2020).

Pada 12 Disember 2019, wabak ini dikategorikan sebagai sejenis virus yang

mempunyai kebolehjangkitan melalui penularan yang bermula di Selatan Hunan

bandar Wuhan, Wilayah Hubei, China. Organisasi Kesihatan Dunia (WHO) telah

mengumumkan mengenai tersebarnya wabak COVID-19 telah memberi impak

negatif terhadap 213 negara dengan kadar melebihi 1.5 juta kes yang disahkan

positif dan hampir 10 ribu kematian pada 10 April 2020 (Shah et al., 2020). Seiring

dengan garis waktu berlangsungnya pandemik ini dan pelaksanaan Perintah

Kawalan Pergerakan (PKP) diumumkan oleh Perdana Menteri, Tan Sri

Muhyiddin Yassin dan berkuat kuasa pada 18 Mac 2020 (Murid, 2021), ianya

sudah pasti menjejaskan banyak perkara terutamanya kepada Institusi

Pendidikan Tinggi Awam (IPTA) yang perlu menerima dan mengadaptasi

norma-norma baharu dalam sistem pendidikan. Di Malaysia, semua IPTA

menghadapi cabaran dan tekanan akibat wabak Covid-19 yang pada mulanya

dijangkakan hanya bersifat sementara tetapi telah berlanjutan sehingga

mengakibatkan peningkatan kadar bilangan kes jangkitan dan kematian yang

tinggi dan sukar dikawal oleh Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia. Sektor

188

pendidikan dilihat sebagai sektor yang terlibat secara langsung dan mengalami

kesan serta merta iaitu telah berlaku masalah untuk pengawalan aktiviti pelajar

seiring dengan peningkatan umur akan menjejaskan sistem pendidikan negara.

Oleh itu, berlaku penguncupan dan kerugian di sektor pendidikan dan

menyebabkan perancangan inisiatif baru perlu diterjemahkan oleh setiap

pengajian tinggi awam mahupun swasta. Beberapa langkah telah dirancang,

dianalisa dan di perkemaskan dengan mengikut prosedur operasi standard

(SOP) bagi menjalankan juga industri pendidikan di negara ini.

Setiap pembukaan sektor pendidikan melalui kebenaran Majlis Keselamatan

Negara (MKN) dan Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia (KKM) telah dibenarkan

dengan penyediaan beberapa SOP bagi menjayakan dan memberi harapan

baru dalam bidang pendidikan yang amat memainkan peranan penting dalam

memastikan belia negara terus memacu dan berdaya saing dalam pendidikan

mahupun bidang teknologi. Namun, langkah-langkah yang dilakukan dapat

dipenuhi dengan mendapat kerjasama daripada semua pihak yang terlibat

terutamanya pelajar yang ingin kembali ke kampus. Ramai pelajar yang

mempunyai masalah untuk menghadapi norma baru dalam sektor pendidikan

yang lebih menggalakkan sesi pembelajaran secara atas talian dan

mengelakkan sesi pembelajaran secara fizikal dan bersemuka. Pembelajaran

diteruskan bagi mengimbangi sistem akademik pelajar dan perlu diubah

mengikut norma baharu yang memerlukan perlaksanaan dan pematuhan SOP

yang diselaraskan bagi menjamin mahasiswa untuk tidak dijangkiti dan

mengurangkan kadar kebolehjangkitan terhadap wabak Covid-19. Perlaksanaan

ini telah dijalankan secara berkesan dengan membenarkan kemasukan kira-kira

hampir 1800 pelajar ke Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) dengan

mengambilkira pelajar berkeperluan yang mempunyai masalah sepanjang

pembelajaran secara atas talian perlu mendiami Kolej Kediaman UMT.

Pergerakkan pelajar ke Kolej Kediaman mengikut pematuhan khas SOP yang

disediakan dengan menyediakan prosedur yang telah berjaya mengekalkan

gelembung hijau ―Green Bubble‖ di Kolej Kediaman UMT. Kemasukkan pelajar

ke Kolej Kediaman UMT menglibatkan hampir 1800 mahasiswa yang

berkeperluan mempunyai masalah-masalah tertentu iaitu peratusan tertinggi

sebanyak 85% yang mempunyai masalah internet bagi kategori pertama, 10%

189

masalah keadaan rumah yang tidak mengizinkan bagi kategori dua dan 5%

masalah keluarga bagi kategori tiga (PPAK, 2021). Pembelajaran atas talian

boleh dikategorikan sebagai mesra pengguna dan mudah diakses bagi proses

pembelajaran dan dapat meningkatkan tahap produktiviti pelajar dan cara ini

mendapat penerimaan dan sambutan yang baik daripada pelajar (Umbit & Taat,

2016). Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia (KPM) telah memberi saranan kepada

warga pendidik dan pelajar untuk terus berkomunikasi melalui atas talian

sebagai alternatif pengajaran dan pembelajaran bagi membimbing murid dalam

pembelajaran sepanjang berlakunya pandemik (Daniel, 2020). Namun,

kekangan daripada pelajar yang boleh memberi kesan kepada pembelajaran ini

dapat diselesaikan dengan memberi kebenaran masuk ke kampus kepada

pelajar berkeperluan. Kaedah pembelajaran atas talian dianggap pilihan terbaik

dalam keadaan yang mengawal penyebaran Covid-19 secara konvensional yang

memerlukan tadbir urus dengan baik oleh pensyarah dan pelajar dengan

kemudahan capaian internet yang baik di Kolej Kediaman (Mohamad, 2021).

Isu dan Masalah yang Dihadapi

Walaupun kes Covid-19 sentiasa meningkat dari masa ke semasa namun,

pelajar berkeperluan yang dibenarkan kembali ke kampus tetap perlu hadir

dengan jaminan pihak universiti melaksanakan SOP yang sewajarnya supaya

tidak berlaku penularan kepada pelajar sedia ada di kampus. Pelajar yang

dikesan mempunyai gejala akan disaring dan tidak dibenarkan memasuki Kolej

Kediaman Dalam Kampus tetapi mereka akan ditempatkan di rumah isolasi

pelajar bergejala di luar kampus. Rumah isolasi luar kampus yang terhad juga

menjadi cabaran dan memerlukan penyelesaian yang baik dan teratur bagi

memastikan pelajar bergejala mempunyai penempatan yang mencukupi,

selamat, selesa dan mematuhi standard SOP isolasi yang diamalkan oleh pihak

KKM.

Objektif

Pembentangan kertas ini bertujuan untuk berkongsi pengalaman UMT dengan

bantuan Jawatankuasa Khas yang ditubuhkan bagi urusan isolasi pelajar

190

bergejala di luar kampus dapat dilaksanakan dengan berkesan untuk

memastikan tiada penularan virus Covid-19 di Kolej Kediaman Dalam Kampus

UMT. Bagi menjamin objektif ini dicapai, beberapa langkah-langkah proaktif

telah dilaksanakan oleh pihak UMT bagi memastikan semua pelajar

berkeperluan yang bergejala diisolasi sebelum dibenarkan masuk ke kampus

serta menginap di kolej kediaman dalam kampus adalah benar-benar sihat dan

selamat seterusnya dapat menjalani pengajian sebagaimana yang ditetapkan

sepanjang sesi berlangsung.

Metodologi Kajian

Berdasarkan kepada kaedah perancangan kajian ini, ianya merupakan sebuah

kertas kajian konsep mengenai pandemik Covid-19 yang melanda negara yang

memberi impak kepada sistem pendidikan negara terutamanya Universiti

Malaysia Terengganu. Metodologi pemerhatian ialah mengkaji secara langsung

melalui satu cara pengumpulan data terhadap responden dan penyelidikan yang

dilakukan dapat dirahsiakan (Bash, 2015). Kaedah kajian kualitatif digunakan

iaitu dengan menganalisis dokumen yang berkaitan dan arahan semasa dari

pihak berkuasa. Kajian kes yang diperhatikan adalah pelajar bergejala yang

isolasi di luar kampus dan pelajar badan beruniform. Rajah 1 menunjukkan

prosedur kajian yang dilakukan bagi menghasilkan SOP yang berkesan dalam

mewujudkan gelembung hijau dalam UMT. Peringkat pertama ialah pencarian

dan pengumpulan data dan dokumen yang berkaitan dengan SOP dan

pekeliling yang telah ditetapkan oleh pihak berkuasa. Seterusnya proses

padanan dilakukan iaitu dengan melihat peraturan yang ditetapkan oleh MKN.

Bagi memastikan SOP tersebut boleh diaplikasikan, penilaian dan pengesahan

dilakukan. Setelah mendapat pengesahan, pengaplikasian dilaksanakan dan

seterusnya keputusan diperolehi. Proses kajian dijalankan seperti yang

digambarkan dalam carta alir berikut:

191

Rajah 1: Prosedur kajian

Langkah-langkah mengawal dan membendung penularan Covid-19 di kalangan

pelajar bergejala:

Penubuhan Jawatankuasa Khas oleh Hepa UMT

Setelah mendapat makluman daripada Kementerian Pendidikan berkaitan

sektor pendidikan yang akan dibuka, pihak Hal Ehwal Pelajar dan Alumni

(HEPA) UMT telah merancang dan menubuhkan Jawatankuasa Khas bagi

memberi tumpuan sepenuhnya kepada setiap aspek kebajikan yang perlu.

Antara Jawatankuasa yang ditubuhkan adalah Jawatankuasa Pengurusan dan

Penempatan Isolasi, Jawatankuasa Pematuhan dan Pemantauan SOP,

Jawatankuasa Makanan dan Jawatankuasa Pengurusan Logistik. Kesemua

Jawatankuasa khas yang dibentuk adalah untuk memainkan peranan penting

bagi membantu pihak PKU UMT dalam mengawal, mengatur dan mengurus

semua yang berkaitan isolasi pelajar. Setiap Jawatankuasa memainkan

peranan penting sepanjang tempoh isolasi di dalam dan di luar kampus.

Kemudahan isolasi akan diuruskan oleh Jawatankuasa Pengurusan dan

Penempatan Isolasi bagi menyediakan kemudahan yang efisien kepada semua

pelajar isolasi. Setiap masalah atau laporan kerosakan daripada pelajar akan

diselesaikan dengan sebaik-baiknya agar dapat memberi keselesaan yang

optimum kepada pelajar. Setiap staf teknikal perlu mengenakan kelengkapan

alat pelindung diri sebelum dibenarkan melakukan kerja di Blok dan rumah

192

isolasi yang mempunyai laporan kerosakan. Bagi Jawatankuasa Pemantauan

dan Pematuhan SOP menjalankan tanggngjawab dengan menyediakan pita

penghadang dan penampalan notis di setiap blok dan rumah isolasi.

Pemantauan keatas setiap blok dan rumah ini menglibatkan Badan Beruniform

yang telah berada di dalam kampus dengan kerjasama pihak keselamatan UMT

selama tempoh isolasi pelajar bergejala berkenaan. Bagi pengurusan makanan

pelajar isolasi diuruskan oleh Jawatankuasa makanan yang memainkan

peranan penting dalam menjaga aspek kebajikan paling penting di tempat

isolasi manakala Jawatankuasa logistik membantu dalam penyediaan keperluan

yang diperlukan di UMT.

Rajah 2: SOP yang ditetapkan oleh pihak pengurusan UMT yang perlu dipatuhi

Penyediaan Penginapan Isolasi Pelajar Bergejala

193

Penyediaan ruangan isolasi pelajar bergejala diuruskan oleh Kolej Kediaman

Luar Kampus dengan menyediakan 3 unit rumah di Taman Permint Makmur

bagi tujuan isolasi. Rumah yang disediakan mempunyai kapasiti 3 unit bilik yang

boleh memuatkan 6 pelajar bagi kategori bergejala ringan yang menggunakan

tandas secara berkongsi manakala pelajar bergejala berat diberikan billik utama

yang mempunyai ruangan tandas yang terasing. Setiap bilik dibekalkan dengan

tilam yang bercadar dan dilengkapi dengan tempat pembuangan sampah dan

sisa yang perlu dibuang berasingan. Ruangan ini disediakan bagi tempoh isolasi

pelajar yang mendapat pemantauan secara terus oleh Pusat Kesihatan UMT

dan Klinik Kesihatan Daerah Kuala Nerus. Pelajar akan diisolasi selama 10

sehingga 14 hari mengikut tahap simptom yang ditetapkan oleh Pusat

Kesihatan UMT. Cadar yang telah digunakan diuruskan oleh Kolej Kediaman

Luar Kampus manakala untuk kebersihan dan proses sanitasi dilakukan oleh

Pusat Pengurusan Harta (PPH) yang dilakukan serta merta setelah rumah

dikosongkan. Pembersihan juga diuruskan secara berjadual dimana sisa klinikal

diasingkan supaya memudahkan proses pengurusan sampah dan sisa klinikal

di Kolej Kediaman. Proses ini berjalan dengan baik dan mampu ditangani

dengan teratur semasa berlakunya kedatangan pelajar secara berskala besar

yang menyebabkan kekurangan ruangan untuk diisolasi di luar kampus.

Namun, hasil perbincangan oleh Jawatankuasa yang terlibat, UMT menetapkan

untuk mencari ruangan isolasi luar kampus dengan mendapatkan beberapa

inap desa ―home stay‖ bagi menampung jumlah kehadiran pelajar yang

bergejala. Beberapa inap desa yang membenarkan tempat mereka digunakan

untuk tujuan isolasi dengan syarat melakukan proses sanitasi dan pembersihan

setelah tamat proses isolasi. Setiap inap desa yang dicari adalah di bawah

pemantauan dari Kolej Kediaman Luar Kampus dan Pusat Pembangunan Harta

UMT bagi memastikan ruangan disediakan mencukupi dan memenuhi

keperluan pelajar sepanjang proses isolasi tersebut. Semua proses diuruskan

oleh Jawatankuasa penyediaan penginapan isolasi bagi memastikan

keselamatan dan keselesaan pelajar sentiasa terjamin.

SENARAI LOKASI BAGI PENGINAPAN ISOLASI LUAR KAMPUS

194

Jadual 1: Lokasi penginapan isolasi sekitar luar kampus UMT

Jadual 1 menunjukkan lokasi penginapan pelajar yang diisolasi sekitar luar

kampus UMT dimana ruangan ini digunakan secara terus sekiranya mempunyai

kemasukkan pelajar seterusnya. Kemasukkan pelajar ke lokasi berkenaan

adalah berfasa mengikut tarikh yang dibenarkan masuk ke kampus sehingga

tamat isolasi dan kembali pulih dari sebarang gejala. Kontak rapat yang tidak

bergejala juga diisolasi di penginapan luar kampus bagi menjamin keselamatan

secara maksima oleh Kolej Kediaman bagi pelajar sedia ada di kampus.

Kesemua pelajar berjaya diisolasi dan dibenarkan kembali ke kampus setelah

menjalani tempoh kuarantin di lokasi yang ditetapkan.

Saringan dan penilaian risiko di Pusat Kesihatan Universiti

Setelah pelajar mendapat kebenaran masuk ke kampus, UMT telah menjalankan

proses pendaftaran dan kemasukkan dengan kaedah dan perancangan kepada

pematuhan SOP yang ketat. Namun begitu, terdapat satu penularan wabak kes

Covid-19 berjaya dikesan dan dibendung sebelum mahasiswa/i yang terdiri

LOKASI NO RUMAH/BILIK Bil

Pelajar

TAMAN

PERMINT

RUMAH NO 8, NO. 9,NO. 17 24

LAKSE INN BILIK 1,2 8

TAMAN SRI

PUTRA 2

RUMAH 1 LOT 53124, RUMAH NO. 2, RUMAH

NO. 3

26

(Pelajar

B/U)

RUMAH

UNIVERSITI

A102, A103, B101, B102, B103, B104, B105,

B106, B107 B108, C102, C103

24

HOMESTAY

BATU BURUK

RUMAH 1, RUMAH 2, RUMAH 3, RUMAH 4,

RUMAH 5,RUMAH 6

34

RUMAH SEWA

PELAJAR

Lot 1275, Lot 8769, PT34419, No. 6 Lot 23145,

Lot 10872H Lot 53523, Lot 14827-P

10

JUMLAH 126

195

daripada satu badan beruniform yang telah menghadiri satu kursus kepimpinan

di Lumut, Perak memohon kebenaran untuk masuk ke Kolej Kediaman.

Berdasarkan daripada kajian kes terhadap penularan kes berkenaan, kajian

mendapati langkah proaktif yang diambil oleh UMT dalam memastikan

keselamatan, kesihatan dan kebajikan pelajar di UMT dapat dijaga dengan baik

dan terjamin dengan berjaya mengekalkan ―Green bubble‖ di UMT. Pelbagai

saringan telah dilakukan bagi memastikan sifar kadar kebolehjangkitan covid-19

di Kolej Kediaman. Setelah melakukan penilaian risiko di pintu masuk UMT,

mahasiswa/i melakukan pengisian My3k sebelum dibenarkan melakukan

penilaian risiko di Pusat Kesihatan Universiti (PKU) UMT seterusnya dibenarkan

masuk ke Kolej Kediaman sekiranya tidak mempunyai gejala.

Hampir 30 orang pelajar yang menjalani saringan penilaian risiko di PKU dan

seorang daripada mahasiswa/i menunjukkan simptom bergejala dan

memerlukan swab test di Klinik Kesihatan berhampiran UMT. Kontak rapat

mahasiswa/i terbabit telah dikesan dan dipanggil untuk diisolasi di penginapan

luar kampus bagi mengelakkan penularan Covid-19 di Kolej Kediaman. Dalam

proses menunggu keputusan tersebut, UMT mengambil langkah proaktif

dengan bertindak mengasingkan pelajar yang menjadi kontak rapat untuk di

kuarantin di penginapan isolasi Kolej Kediaman Luar Kampus UMT di Taman

Permint Makmur dan Taman Sri Putra II selama 10 hari. Kekurangan ruang

isolasi yang diwajibkan oleh Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia (KKM) untuk

membenarkan isolasi pelajar bergejala dua orang bagi satu bilik menjadi satu

masalah kepada Kolej Kediaman namun dapat diselesaikan dengan mencari

dan menyediakan ruang isolasi lain. Inisiatif yang telah dilakukan adalah

mencari rumah tumpangan sementara bagi mahasiswa/i menjalani proses

kuarantin di kawasan taman yang sama. Hasil daripada tindakan pantas yang

diambil oleh Pusat Kesihatan UMT, dapat membantu dalam mengesan dan

menghindari kes berkenaan daripada menular kepada pelajar sedia ada. Oleh

itu, kadar sifar Covid-19 telah berjaya dikekalkan di Kolej Kediaman dalam

tempoh masa proses kemasukan pelajar berkeperluan di UMT.

Proses pengurusan pengangkutan pelajar bergejala

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Pelajar bergejala diuruskan sepenuhnya oleh Pusat Kesihatan UMT dengan

menggunakan kelengkapan yang sempurna dan mencukupi bagi memastikan

keselamatan semua staf dan pelajar dilindungi sebaiknya. Pelajar bergejala

dihantar ke Pusat kuarantin untuk proses ―swab test‖ dengan menggunakan

ambulan UMT dan ambulan disanitasi sebelum dan selepas digunakan. Data

pelajar dikumpulkan oleh Kolej Kediaman dan diaturkan ke tempat isolasi yang

disediakan oleh Seksyen Luar Kampus dan Pusat Pembangunan Harta.

Sepanjang pengurusan pengangkutan pelajar, jadual pergerakan ambulan dan

van disusun dengan rapi agar perjalanan pelajar teratur dan selamat.

Sepanjang proses isolasi diluar, pengurusan pergerakan dan pengangkutan

pelajar dipantau agar pelajar tidak terlepas untuk menjalani makluman susulan

daripada Klinik Kesihatan. Pengurusan data yang cermat dan lengkap adalah

satu faktor yang penting untuk membantu dalam urusan mengawal penularan

wabak ini.

Setiap pelajar yang mempunyai masalah akan dipantau melalui imbasan QR

code yang disediakan di setiap rumah yang mewajibkan pelajar mengimbas

setiap hari untuk mengemaskini laporan kesihatan setiap hari sepanjang tempoh

isolasi. Hal ini dapat membantu dalam mengatur urusan kenderaan dan mencari

pengangkutan alternatif sekiranya berlaku pertindihan jadual pergerakkan

ambulan. Jawatankuasa Pengangkutan sentiasa bertindak cemerlang dalam

memastikan kelangsungan kebajikan pelajar dapat diurus tadbir dengan baik

demi keselamatan dan kesejahteraan pelajar dan semua yang terlibat

sepanjang tempoh ini.

Jawatankuasa makanan pelajar isolasi

Data yang dibekalkan kepada Jawatankuasa Makanan adalah berdasarkan

pemohonan pelajar melalui atas talian melalui aplikasi ―I-delivery‖ yang dirangka

khas untuk membantu memudahkan proses makanan pelajar isolasi. Makanan

merupakan isu terpenting yang dititikberatkan oleh UMT supaya semua pelajar

yang diisolasi mendapat makanan yang sihat dan mencukupi. Pusat

Keusahawanan UMT (CEC) merupakan ketua yang dilantik bagi menguruskan

makanan pelajar dengan menyediakan jadual 3 kali sehari untuk penghantaran

197

makanan kepada pelajar yang diisolasi didalam mahupun luar kampus. Usaha

menghantar makanan ini memerlukan tahap pemerhatian yang tinggi dengan

sentiasa bersedia dan berhati- hati supaya mengelakkan sentuhan dengan

pelajar yang diisolasi.

Semua staf yang ditugaskan diberikan kelengkapan perlindungan diri seperti

topeng pelitup muka, ―face shield‖ dan ―apron‖ bagi memastikan keselematan

staf terjamin. Sepanjang proses isolasi, makanan pelajar sentiasa mencukupi

dan proses penghantaran tidak mencetuskan penularan wabak dalam kalangan

staf yang ditugaskan. Pelajar juga dibenarkan untuk membeli makanan secara

atas talian melalui ―Food Panda‖ sekiranya tidak mahu memesan makanan

melalui Jawatankuasa makanan UMT. Hal ini adalah bagi memastikan pelajar

tidak berada dalam tekanan dan membenarkan mereka membeli makanan

kegemaran mereka sendiri namun perlulah mematuhi SOP agar tidak

membahayakan orang lain. Pihak Hal Ehwal Pelajar dan Alumni (HEPA)

menyumbangkan bantuan makanan kering kepada pelajar yang diisolasi di luar

kampus. Setiap pelajar yang diisolasi pastinya dibekalkan dengan makanan

yang cukup agar pelajar yang diisolasi tidak mengalami masalah kelaparan.

Pemantauan secara berkala di perumahan isolasi

Sepanjang proses isolasi pelajar bergejala, melalui data yang disediakan oleh

Kolej Kediaman, pihak Keselamatan UMT mengambil tindakan untuk sentiasa

melakukan pemantauan sebanyak tiga kali sehari dan sentiasa mengemaskini

laporan dari setiap pemantauan yang dilakukan. Pemantauan ini dilakukan pada

waktu pagi, tengahari dan lewat malam supaya memastikan pelajar tidak keluar

dan merayau sewaktu diisolasi. Tindakan tegas pihak keselamatan membantu

mengawal pergerakan pelajar dan memberikan pelajar jaminan selamat kerana

ada yang diisolasi jauh dari UMT iaitu di Batu Buruk, Kuala Terengganu. Segala

pelaporan dimuatnaik sentiasa oleh unit pemantauan bagi memaklumkan

kepada semua berkenaan status semasa pelajar yang diisolasi. Sepanjang

pengawasan, pelajar tidak dibenarkan keluar kerana mereka turut dipakaikan

gelang berwarna merah untuk mengelakkan mereka bergerak bebas di ruang

isolasi.

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Kebenaran masuk setelah selesai isolasi dan Kejayaan sifar Covid-19 di

UMT

Setelah mengharungi tempoh isolasi dan pelajar telah selamat dipotong gelang

yang di sahkan oleh KKM, pelajar berkenaan dibenarkan masuk ke UMT untuk

menjalani pembelajaran seperti biasa. Semua pelajar dibenarkan ke Kolej

Kediaman namun perlu mematuhi beberapa SOP yang ditetapkan oleh MKN dan

KKM yang sentiasa mengambil berat berkaitan pematuhan SOP di IPTA. Semua

pelajar dijaga kebajikan dan perlu mematuhi SOP walaupun telah selesai isolasi

kerana bagi memastikan kes Covid-19 tidak tersebar di UMT. Oleh yang

demikian, UMT berjaya menyelamatkan dan menghindarkan semua pelajar

daripada dijangkiti wabak berbahaya ini dengan melaksanakan langkah-langkah

proaktif yang jitu dan effisien. Segala aspek pematuhan SOP yang dijalankan

adalah merujuk kepada kebenaran yang diluluskan oleh MKN. Kesemua 30

orang pelajar badan beruniform dan pelajar bergejala yang telah dikenalpasti dan

dikesan telah dibenarkan keluar setelah semua keputusan negatif dan kembali

ke Kolej Kediaman UMT semula dengan selamat.

Kesimpulan

Covid-19 secara amnya menjejaskan pertumbuhan sosial dan merubah struktur

ekonomi selain sangat terkesan kepada transformasi norma baharu dalam

sektor pendidikan. Perubahan yang berlaku sedikit sebanyak memberi impak

kerana sektor pendidikan merupakan platform yang mengunakan pembelajaran

secara fizikal dan perlu dilakukan secara bersemuka. Namun, setiap masalah

yang dihadapi mestilah sentiasa mempunyai penyelesaian. Setiap inisiatif yang

diambil dan dibuat berdasarkan panduan daripada Kementerian Kesihatan

Malaysia sangatlah berkesan dalam mengelakkan penularan Covid-19 dalam

semua sektor tetapi memerlukan kerjasama daripada semua pihak termasuk

pekerja dan pelajar di semua IPTA. Sesi pembelajaran yang mencabar buat

masa ini sering memberi kesan yang mendalam kepada pelajar dalam mencuba

menyesuaikan diri. Revolusi 4.0 perlu dimanfaatkan seeloknya dalam

pembelajaran atas talian oleh semua bidang pendidikan dimana mampu

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membuatkan pelajar mendapat info, keterangan, penjelasan dan ilmu dengan

mudah dan cepat. Namun begitu, terdapat sebahagian daripada sektor

pendidikan yang memerlukan aktiviti bersemuka seperti kerja amali di makmal,

kerja lapangan dan semua kelas yang memerlukan fizikal. Disiplin dan

pematuhan yang baik daripada pelajar seiring dengan kesungguhan pelajar

dapat membantu menjayakan gelembung hijau di setiap IPTA di Malaysia.

Sama sama berganding bahu dalam memastikan sifar Covid-19 dapat dijayakan

tanpa gagal.

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reports/20200423- sitrep-94-covid-19.pdf

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islam perlis (kuips) ketika pandemik wabak koronavirus covid-19. Jurnal

Pengajian Islam, 14, 243– 254.

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Sekawi, Z., Ideris, A., & Sultan, M. T. H. (2020). COVID-19 outbreak in

Malaysia: Actions taken by the Malaysian government. International

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Organization

https://www.who.int/.

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THE LEVEL OF MENTAL HEALTH AMONG STUDENTS IN RESIDENTIAL COLLEGE OF THE UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA TERENGGANU

Nur Hidayah Mohd Basir

Residential College, Student and Alumni Affairs (HEPA), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu

Faculty of Science and Marine Environment (FSSM), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu

Elfina Azwar

Residential College, Student and Alumni Affairs (HEPA), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu

Institute of Tropical Aquaculture and Fisheries (AKUATROP), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu

Md Khairul Azwan Md Razali

Residential College, Student and Alumni Affairs (HEPA), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu

Institute of Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable Development (BIO-D Tropika), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu

Karthi Suresh

Residential College, Student and Alumni Affairs (HEPA), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu

Faculty of Science and Marine Environment (FSSM), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu

Engku Nurul Aima Tengku Amri

Residential College, Student and Alumni Affairs (HEPA), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu

Nik Aziz Nik Ali Residential College, Student and Alumni Affairs (HEPA), Universiti Malaysia

Terengganu Faculty of Fisheries and Food Science, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu

nikaziz@umt.edu.my

Abstract

Managing mental health issues in Malaysia has become challenging especially

among university students. This study assessed 400 students from Universiti

Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) Residential College. The respondents were

selected through a simple random sampling technique using self-administered

questionnaires derived from the Mental Health Inventory (MHI) measurement

tool, followed by the validation of the obtained data through reliability procedure.

202

Data were collected from December 2019 until February 2020. Descriptive

analyses were conducted using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences

(SPSS) version 22. The results showed no significant difference between overall

MHI and gender. However, depression manifested a significant effect on the

gender of the students. The study also revealed that male students experienced

more mental health conditions compared to female students. Suita- ble

intervention programs should be made available to help targeted students.

Keywords: Mental, Health, University, Student, Education.

Introduction

The World Health Organization (WHO) revealed that mental health problems

affect one in every four individuals at some point in their lives and that

statistically, 450 million people worldwide are suffering from a mental health

problem (WHO, 2001). WHO also predicted that depression is one of the top

mental disorders, ranked second after ischemic heart disease (WHO, 2001).

Meanwhile, the National Health and Morbidity Survey in 2015 demonstrated that

29.2% of Malaysians suffered from stress or mental health problems (NHMS,

2015). In general, an individual may not have good mental health at all times but

would still be able to perform the daily routines as usual. To the contrary, various

routines will be affected for those with mental health problems because they

might be suffering from physical, mental and social health disorders.

Having said that, mental health problems can affect anyone regardless of

gender, religion, race and age. University students are no exception to this

problem. The change in their social life from a high school student to a university

student will to some extent affect the student. Among the common causes of

mental health problems include failure to face challenges, low social support,

lack of skills to adapt to the new environment, financial constraints, lack of

academic achievement, workload and family factors. These factors could often

contribute to more harmful conditions such as stress, panic, trauma and manic.

203

Therefore, the main objective of this study is to gain an overview of the level of

mental health among the hostel residents in the Residential College of Universiti

Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) using the Mental Health Inventory (MHI) survey

form. The results from this study can be used to improve the management of

mental health problems among the residents of the Residential College of UMT

and can also be referenced by other institutes of education in future.

Literature Review

Samsudin and Hong (2016) studied the relationship between mental health level

and academic achievement among Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) students.

The mental health level of the students was measured using the 12-item

General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) while the academic achievement was

measured based on the Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA). Based on

GHQ-12, 48% of respondents had good mental health. Approximately 67.21% of

the respondents were identified to have obtained CGPA of above 3.67 with good

mental health compared to 36.08% of the respondents with CGPA of below

3.67. This study revealed that mental health could significantly affect a student's

academic achievements, i.e. a common indicator of student‘s productivity.

Another study assessed the relationships between the levels of depression,

anxiety and stress with academic achievements among semester two students

of the Community College of Masjid Tanah (KKMT) (Abd Shukor et al., 2019).

The research assessment instrument of Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale

(DASS21) was employed to measure the levels of depression, anxiety and

stress. The authors indicated that the levels of depression (1.50) and stress

(1.33) among KKMT students were in a normal state. Meanwhile, anxiety (2.20)

was the lowest. Furthermore, Pearson correlation demonstrated that the

relationship between these three emotions was weak based on the

interpretation suggested by Cohen (in Pallant, 2007). In short, students obtain

good academic achievements when their mental health is in a normal or good

state.

Additionally, another study on loneliness and psychological well-being among

university students in Malaysia were performed using GHQ-12 and -14 item

204

scale in the revised University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Loneliness

Scale (Nordin & Talib, 2009). Based on the outcome, 65.60% of Malaysian

students had good psycho- logical well-being (score 5 and below), whereas, the

remaining 34.40% of the students were identified with symptoms for

psychological well-being problems. Moreover, the analysis indicated that a

majority of the university students (59.60%) suffered from average loneliness

level.

A prediction on the Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) graduate

unemployment based on demography, personality, perfectionism and mental

health factors were studied using survey method based on online

questionnaires. The questionnaires consisted of the International Personality

Item Pool (IPIP), Hewitt Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (HMPS) and

General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) (Hamzah & Abd Latif, 2017). Using logistic

regression analysis, increasing age and higher academic achievements levels

were predicted to raise the opportunity of university graduates in securing a job.

The results also revealed that personality and perfectionism were not important

in Malaysian graduate unemployment issues. The logistic regression on

personality, perfectionism and mental health dimensions indicated that the

fourth model consisting of conscientiousness, agreeableness, neuroticism and

mental health subdimensions was suitable for hypothesis testing.

Aripin et al. (2017) researched on the dimensions affecting personality

integration among the Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) undergraduate students

using MHI adopted from Jagdis & Srivastara (1999). The mental health level of

the UiTM students was weak (2) and very weak (1) based on the Confirmatory

Factor Analysis (CFA) instrument. Moreover, none of the respondents had a

very good (5) mental health level. As for the gender aspect, a majority of female

students (68.80%) have weak and very weak mental health levels compared to

male students (15.70%). Based on the findings, there was no mediator identified

for the effects of reality perception on personality integration for UiTM male

students. However, the reality perception for the overall undergraduate students

of UiTM directly affected personality integration. Furthermore, the environmental

205

factor is one of three main factors that can affect the mental health of students

apart from individual-specific characteristics and life history.

Methodology

As this study is quantitative, a questionnaire survey was used for data

collection. Polit, Beck & Hungler (2001) also stated that a survey is an efficient

method to obtain data, especially when involving a large number of

respondents. This study recruited a sample size of 400 respondents involving

residents of the Residential College of UMT from various backgrounds. The

data collection was conducted in March 2020. The views of Krejcie & Morgan

(1970) were taken into account in determining the sample size of this study.

They stated that if the population for a study reached 4500, hence, the required

sample size would be 354 at the 5% error and 95% confidence level. Since, the

current study population involved 4045 residents, a sample size of 400 was

sufficient. Furthermore, the respondents were selected using simple random

sampling with self-administered questionnaires.

A questionnaire-based survey was applied to obtain information from

respondents. The instruments for this study were adopted from Veit & Ware

(1983). The questionnaire that was distributed to the respondents consisted of

two (2) sections A and B. Section A contained questions regarding the

respondents' personal information, while section B contained the MHI

measurement tool. The MHI contains 18 standard items to assess overall

mental health status. The items were answered using the Six-Point Likert Scale

and were divided into four (4) dimensions of mental health namely anxiety,

depression, behaviour control and positive affect. Some of the items for

measuring MHI included ‗during the past 4 weeks, how much of the time have

you been a very nervous person‘, ‗during the past 4 weeks, how much of the

time did you feel depressed‘, ‗during the past 4 weeks, how much of the time

have you felt emotionally stable‘ and so on. The Likert scale ranged from 1 = all

of the time, 2 = most of the time, 3 = a good bit of the time, 4 = some of the time,

5 = a little of the time, 6 = none of the time. The data obtained were analysed by

using IBM SPSS Statistics version 20. Some first-order analysis (frequencies,

206

percentages, means, etc.) were executed. Table 1 indicates the number of items

per dimension in the questionnaire.

Table 1: Subdivision of the Items.

Results and Discussion

Table 2 illustrates the information on the demographic profile of respondents in

terms of frequency and percentage. Respondents in this study consisted of 153

male (38.3%) and 247 females (61.8%). Majority of the respondents (82.0%)

were in the age range of 18 - 22 years. A majority of the respondents (332

respondents, 83.0%) were pursuing bachelor's degree, while 35 respondents

(8.8%) were pursuing diploma, 14 respondents (3.5%) in foundation studies,

11 respondents (2.8%) were doctoral candidates and eight (8) respondents

(2.0%) were Master‘s students. Also, a majority of respondents were in their first

year of study (291 respondents, 72.8%), while a minority of nine (9) respondents

(2.3%) were in their fourth year of study.

Table 2: Demographic Profile of Respondents.

Demographic

Characteristics

Category Frequency

(n = 400)

Percentage

(%)

Gender Male 153 38.3

Female 247 61.8

Age Between 18 – 22 years 328 82.0

Between 23 – 27 years 64 16.0

Between 28 – 32 years 6 1.5

Between 33 – 37 years 2 0.5

Race Malay 283 70.8

Chinese 40 10.0

Indian 57 14.2

Dimensions Item number on MHI Item Number

Anxiety 4, 6, 11, 18 & 10 5

Depression 2, 9, 12, 14 & 3 5

Behaviour Control 16,17, 5 & 8 4

Positive Affect 1, 7, 13 & 15 4

207

Others 20 5.0

Religion Islam 295 73.8

Buddha 36 9.0

Hindu 53 13.3

Christian 16 4.0

Marital Status Single 397 99.3

Married 3 0.8

Level of Study Foundation 14 3.5

Diploma 35 8.8

Bachelor‘s Degree 332 83.0

Master‘s Degree 8 2.0

Doctor of Philosophy 11 2.8

Year of Study First 291 72.8

Second 74 18.5

Third 26 6.5

Fourth 9 2.3

Household Income Less than RM1000

(USD233.73)

113 28.2

Between RM1001–RM2000 111 27.8

(USD233.96 – USD467.45)

Between RM2001 – RM3000 66 16.5

(USD467.69 - USD701.18)

Between RM3001–RM4000 28 7.0

(USD701.41 - USD934.91)

Between RM4001–RM5000

24

6.0

(USD935.14 - USD1168.63)

More than RM5001

(USD1168.87)

58 14.5

Table 3 summarises the results of the normality tests in this study. Normality

test determines whether the data used is normal. Descriptive analyses

(Skewness & Kurtosis) were used to determine the normality of the data.

George & Mallery (2010) stated that the distribution of data is considered normal

if Skewness and Kurtosis values were in the range of -2 and +2. The data in this

study were normally distributed as they fell in the range of -2 and +2. Table 3

also indicated the overall mental health among the residents with a mean value

of 3.9079 and standard deviation of 0.49010. Furthermore, the mean value for

the dimension of anxiety was 3.8730 with a standard deviation of 0.86205. The

dimension of depression had a mean value of 3.8460 with a standard deviation

208

of 1.00917. The dimension of behaviour control has a mean value of 4.9750 with

a standard deviation of 0.65776 and the dimension of positive effect has a mean

value of 2.9619 with a standard deviation of 1.06211.

Table 3: Descriptive Statistics (Skewness & Kurtosis).

Variables Mean Std. Dev. Skewness Kurtosis

Statistic Statistic Statistic Std.

Error

Statistic Std.

Error

Overall MHI 3.9079 .49010 -0.273 0.122 0.596 0.243

Anxiety 3.8730 .86205 -0.463 0.122 -0.031 0.243

Depression 3.8460 1.00917 -0.515 0.122 -0.338 0.243

Behaviour Control 4.9750 0.65776 0.063 0.122 -1.085 0.243

Positive Affect 2.9619 1.06211 0.127 0.122 -0.462 0.243

Table 4 depicts the reliability values (Cronbach‘s Alpha) for the overall MHI and

each dimension used in this study. Cronbach's Alpha for the overall MHI was

0.677, while the dimension of anxiety was 0.666, depression 0.731, behaviour

control 0.836 and positive affect was 0.874. According to Pallant (2001),

Cronbach's alpha values above 0.600 are considered acceptable and of high

reliability. Hence, all dimensions obtained in this study were acceptable.

Table 4: Descriptive Statistics (Reliability Analysis).

Dimensions Number of Items Cronbach’s Alpha

Overall MHI 18 0.677

Anxiety 5 0.666

Depression 5 0.731

Behaviour Control 4 0.836

Positive Affect 4 0.874

Table 5 represents the descriptive statistics for mental health inventory and

gender. The overall MHI was insignificant for the gender of students. However,

based on the MHI conducted with four dimensions, depression manifested a

significant effect on the gender of the students, with p<0.05 (p=0.010).

209

Table 5: Independent Sample t-test.

Dimensions

Male Female

F

Sig. Mean Std.

Deviatio

n

Mean Std.

Deviatio

n

Overall MHI 3.646 0.618 3.552 0.579 3.059 0.081

Anxiety 3.962 0.883 3.818 0.846 2.657 0.104

Depression 4.012 0.935 3.743 1.041 6.782 0.010*

Behaviour 3.561 0.759 3.520 0.861 0.043 0.836

Control

Positive Affect 2.879 1.114 3.013 1.028 1.507 0.220

* Significant at p <0.05

Based on the mental health screening test conducted using MHI, there was no

significance between overall MHI with the gender of the students. Also, the mental

health among female students was higher than among the male students. Using

MHI, four major dimensions on deciding a person‘s mental health level namely

anxiety, depression, behaviour control and positive affect were assessed. Amongst

all the dimensions, only depression indicated a significant effect on the gender

factor. Based on the overall dimension, male respondents possessed a lower

mental health level compared to females in the UMT Residential College. Males are

often reported to put in less effort to solve their depressive problems. They rarely

opt for appointments with psychiatrists or psychologists for antidepressants or

anxiolytics prescriptions (Fond et al., 2018) compared to females. Moreover, males

are not willing to acknowledge their sad thoughts internally and do not readily

express their emotions (McIntyre et al., 2014). Nevertheless, gender comparisons in

self-reported mental health measures may not be quite representative in identifying

mental health illness. It is mainly because males tend to be masculine in that they

refrain themselves from reporting any experiences or even benign mental health

symptoms. They were more likely to reckon those depressive symptoms to the

―normal ups and downs of life‖ and are less likely to accept depression as a

biological problem compared to women (McIntyre et al., 2014).

210

Conclusion

The present study collected information addressing the mental health inventory

level among students in the Residential College of UMT. The risk of students being

susceptible to severe conditions is inevitable. However, the study proved that there

was no significant relationship between the overall mental health conditions towards

gender except for depression. Moreover, male respondents were more prone to

experiencing mental health conditions compared to females. Therefore, the

respective authorities should consider organising awareness programs and

interventions to facilitate and help students who are prone to mental health-related

problems.

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213

GELEMBUNG HIJAU DALAM MENGAWAL PENULARAN COVID-19 DI UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA TERENGGANU

Rohaida Awang

Kolej Kediaman, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu

Riswadi Azmi Pusat Pendidikan Asas dan Lanjutan (PPAL), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu

riswadi@umt.edu,my

Nik Aziz bin Nik Ali Fakulti Perikanan dan Sains Makanan (FPSM), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu

Engku Nurul Aima Tengku Amri

Siti Rabiatul Adawiyah Mohd Zin

Muhamad Hafiz Abd. Kadir

Kolej Kediaman, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu

Abstrak

Pandemik Covid-19 yang melanda dunia telah mengakibatkan hampir semua

negara melaksanakan Perintah Kawalan Pergerakan (PKP). PKP dilaksanakan

bertujuan untuk mengekang penularan wabak agar ianya dapat dikawal. Namun

begitu, PKP yang dilaksanakan telah memberi kesan kepada ekonomi, sosial dan

kesihatan awam. Lebih terkesan ialah kepada sektor pendidikan kerana

pembelajaran terpaksa dilakukan sepenuhnya secara Pengajaran dan

Pembelajaran Dalam Talian (PDPR). PDPR yang dilaksanakan juga telah memberi

kesan kepada yang kurang baik terutama kepada program pengajian yang

memerlukan kepada pembelajaran secara bersemuka. Objektif kertas ini adalah

bertujuan untuk berkongsi pengalaman UMT dalam merangka SOP bagi

mewujudkan gelembung hijau dalam UMT sepanjang pembelajaran secara

bersemuka. Bagi mencapai objektif kajian ini, kaedah kualitatif digunakan iaitu

dengan mengenalpasti Standard Operasi Prosedur (SOP) yang bersesuaian dan

disahkan oleh pihak berkuasa. Hasil kajian mendapati, hasil daripada SOP yang

dilaksanakan, UMT berjaya mewujudkan gelembung hijau dan mengekang

penularan Covid-19 di dalam kampus UMT.

Kata kunci: Gelembung Hijau, Standard Operasi Prosedur (SOP), Universiti

Malaysia Terengganu

Pendahuluan

214

Penularan pandemik Covid-19 merupakan isu yang telah memberi implikasi buruk

kepada seluruh dunia. Data daripada Jabatan Perangkaan Malaysia Bil2/202

melaporkan bahawa, pandemik yang dikesan bermula di Malaysia pada akhir 2019

ini, bukan sahaja menimbulkan isu kesihatan rakyat Malaysia, bahkan ia memberi

kesan yang buruk dalam pelbagai aspek terutama pada aspek ekonomi,

pendidikan, populasi, kemanusiaan dan sosio budaya. (Jabatan Perangkaan

Malaysia, 2021) Perintah Kawalan Pergerakan (PKP) yang dilaksanakan seluruh

negara telah mewujudkan pelbagai norma baharu terutama dalam aspek

Pengajaran dan Pembelajaran (P&P) yang dijalankan atas talian (Kirin, A., Ahmad

Sharifuddin, Mohd Hisyam Abdul Rahim, Shakila Ahmad, Sharifah Khadijah, &

Abdullah Sulaiman, 2021). Norma baharu ini telah sedikit sebanyak memberi kesan

kepada pelajar UMT yang terjejas pembelajaran akibat capaian internet yang

lemah, keperluan kerja amali di makmal dan juga pembelajaran secara bersemuka

bersama penyelia bagi pelajar yang perlu menyiapkan kerja tahun akhir. Masalah

yang dihadapi oleh sebahagian besar pelajar Institusi Pengajian Tinggi (IPT) ketika

tempoh PKP ini telah mengakibatkan Majlis Keselamatan Negara (MKN)

menyediakan Prosedur Operasi Standard (SOP) bagi membenarkan sebahagian

pelajar yang memerlukan kepada P&P secara bersemuka (Majlis Keselamatan

Negara, 2020). Walaubagaimanapun, SOP yang disediakan oleh MKN hanyalah

SOP yang berbentuk umum kepada semua IPT, sedangkan setiap IPT mempunyai

kemudahan logistik, lokasi pelajar dan fasiliti yang berbeza.

Berdasarkan masalah dan isu ini, Kementerian Pengajian Tinggi telah

membenarkan enam kategori pelajar berkeperluan yang dibenarkan kembali ke

kampus mulai 1 Mac 2021 bagi membolehkan enam kategori pelajar tersebut

mengikuti Pengajaran dan Pembelajaran (PdP) secara hibrid iaitu secara

bersemuka dan pengajian secara dalam talian. Enam kategori pelajar tersebut

adalah pertama adalah pelajar program pengajian peringkat Sijil, Diploma, Ijazah

Sarjana Muda dan Pasca Siswazah yang memerlukan praktikal, makmal, klinikal,

latih amal, studio, bengkel dan peralatan khas. Kategori kedua ialah melibatkan

pelajar yang tidak mempunyai akses dan persekitaran tidak kondusif bagi

melaksanakan PdP dalam talian. Kategori ketiga terdiri daripada pelajar Asasi atau

Setara dan Diploma yang sedia ada di kampus boleh meneruskan pembelajaran

215

secara hibrid. Bagi kategori keempat, semua pelajar antarabangsa sedia ada dan

baharu kecuali dari United Kingdom. Kategori kelima, pelajar Berkeperluan Khas

(OKU) dan keenam pelajar yang menduduki peperiksaan Malaysia University

English Test (MUET), antarabangsa dan badan profesional.

Apabila berlakunya kebenaran kembali ke kampus ini, Kolej Kediaman adalah satu-

satunya kemudahan pelengkap yang perlu disediakan sebagai tempat penginapan

pelajar untuk menjamin keselamatan dan kebajikan pelajar sepanjang semester

pengajian terutamanya dalam situasi kekangan kemudahan sedemikian disediakan

di luar kampus.

Isu

Menerima kemasukan pelajar berkeperluan unuk kembali ke kampus semasa

pandemik Covid- 19 masih belum sifar adalah satu cabaran yang sangat besar

perlu dihadapi oleh semua universiti. Ini kerana universiti terpaksa berdepan

dengan bilangan pelajar yang besar yang datang dari seluruh pelusuk negara serta

luar negara yang berkemungkinan akan membawa risiko penularan virus covid19 di

kampus

Objektif

Kertas ini bertujuan untuk berkongsi amalan pengurusan kemasukan pelajar

berkeperluan yang telah dilaksanakan di Universiti Malaysia Terengganu untuk

memastikan tiada penularan virus Covid-19 berlaku apabila pelajar telah didaftarkan

masuk dan menginap di Kolej Kediaman UMT. Bagi memastikan objektif ini dicapai,

beberapa kaedah telah dikuatkuasakan oleh pihak UMT bagi memastikan semua

pelajar berkeperluan yang masuk ke kampus serta menginap di kolej kediaman

berada dalam keadaan sihat dan selamat seterusnya dapat menjalani pengajian

sebagaimana yang ditetapkan sepanjang sesi berlangsung.

Metodologi

216

Pencarian dan pengumpulan

dokumen

Padanan dengan polisi dan SOP

Penilaian dan pengesahan

Keputusan

Pengaplikasian

Bagi mencapai objektif yang digariskan, kaedah kajian kualitatif digunakan iaitu

dengan menganalisis dokumen yang berkaitan dan arahan semasa dari pihak

berkuasa. Prosedur kajian dijelaskan sebagaimana jadual 1.0 berikut;

Rajah 1: Prosedur kajian

Rajah 1 merujuk kepada prosedur kajian yang lakukan bagi menghasilkan SOP

yang berkesan dalam mewujudkan gelembung hijau dalam UMT. Peringkat pertama

ialah pencarian dan pengumpulan dokumen yang berkaitan dengan SOP dan

pekeliling yang berkaitan. Seterusnya proses padanan dilakukan iaitu dengan

melihat peraturan yang ditetapkan oleh MKN. Bagi memastikan SOP tersebut boleh

diaplikasikan, penilaian dan pengesahan dilakukan. Setelah mendapat

pengesahan, pengaplikasian dilaksanakan dan seterusnya keputusan diperolehi.

Hasil dan Dapatan Kajian

Gelembung hijau bertujuan untuk mengurangkan penularan jangkitan dan pada

waktu yang sama untuk meletakkan sesuatu zon dalam keadaan terkawal (Miquel

Oliu-Barton, Bary S.R dan Pradelski, 2021). Untuk memastikan gelembung hijau ini

dapat dilaksanakan di UMT ketika proses PdP, SOP yang jelas perlu dilakukan.

Setelah melalui prosedur, SOP tersebut dimulakan dengan penubuhan beberapa

jawatankuasa sebagaimana jadual 1.0.

217

Senarai Jawatankuasa Fungsi

Jawatankuasa

Pendaftaran Masuk dan

Penginapan Isolasi

Memastikan proses pendaftaran

dapat dilakukan dengan baik

dan menetapkan bilik-bilik

isolasi mengikut keperluan

penghuni.

Jawatankuasa

Penginapan Kekal

Memastikan penghuni yang

sedia ada mendapat

penginapan yang tidak

bercampur dengan bilik atau

kawasan isolasi.

Jawatankuasa Makanan Memastikan makanan dan

minuman

dapat disediakan kepada

penghuni dan jawatankuasa

yang terlibat.

Jawatankuasa

Penguatkuasaan SOP

dan Pemantauan

Memastikan segala SOP

dapat dilaksanakan

dengan tersusun.

Jawatankuasa Logistik Memastikan fasiliti berada

dalam keadaan baik dan

boleh digunakan.

Jawatankuasa

Pengangkutan

Memastikan kenderaan

dapat

disediakan mengikut keperluan.

Jawatankuasa Bimbingan

dan Kaunseling

Memastikan penghuni dan JK

yang terlibat berada dalam

keadaan emosi yang stabil.

Jadual 1: Senarai Jawatankuasa dan Fungsi

Berdasarkan jadual 1.0 di atas, tujuh jawatankuasa telah ditubuhkan dengan setiap

jawatankuasa mempunyai fungsi-fungsi yang khusus. Hasil kerjasama semua

jawatankuasa ini, SOP yang telah digariskan telah mendapat kesan yang amat

signifikan dalam memastikan UMT berada dalam gelembung hijau sepanjang

proses PdP.

Kejayaan ini bukan sahaja bergantung kepada kerjasama kolaborasi jawatankuasa

yang ditubuhkan namun ianya juga bergantung kepada SOP yang berkesan

sebagaimana rajah 2.

218

GELUMBUNG

HIJAU

Pengurusan emosi penghuni

Kawalan kemasukan

pelajar yang tidak bergejala

Pemantauan keselamatan dan pamutuhan SOP

Pengurusan pendaftaran

penginapan di kolej kediaman

Pengurusan makanan dan minuman kepada

penghuni

Pemantauan ketat tahap

kesihatan

Penyerahan kunci

kepada penghuni

Rajah 2 : SOP Gelembung Hijau UMT

Berdasarkan rajah 2, SOP yang telah dirangka, dinilai dan diaplikasi telah memberi

kesan yang signifikan dalam mewujudkan gelembung hijau di UMT. SOP tersebut

telah dipatuhi dengan baik melalui kerjasama dan jawatankuasa pemantauan SOP

yang bertanggungjawab setiap SOP dipatuhi.

Membenarkan hanya pelajar yang sihat dan tiada gejala sahaja masuk ke

kampus

UMT mengawal kemasukan pelajar di pintu utama universiti oleh pihak

keselamatan yang bertugas. Pelajar hanya dibenarkan masuk ke kampus apabila

berjaya memaparkan slip bukti kelulusan e2kc dan mempunyai rekod mysejahtera

yang berisiko rendah . Pelajar juga mestilah lulus saringan risiko yang dilakukan

oleh Pusat Kesihatan Universiti serta memaparkan rekod my3k yang menunjukkan

mereka adalah sihat sepanjang 10 hari berturut-turut sebelum bertolak ke kampus.

219

Bagi mengelakkan para pelajar yang menggunakan kenderaan awam sama ada

bas ataupun kapal terbang terdedah kepada masyarakat luar, UMT telah

menyediakan jawatankuasa logistik untuk mengambil para pelajar dari stesen bas

dan lapangan terbang. Jadual perjalanan dan penerbangan setiap pelajar telah

diuruskan oleh Majlis Perwakilan Pelajar dan Bilik Gerakan dan disalurkan kepada

pihak jawatankuasa.

Menguruskan pendaftaran dan penyerahan kunci bilik penginapan isolasi

pelajar di Kolej Kediaman

Proses pendaftaran pelajar norma baru agak berbeza dengan pelaksanaan biasa

kerana keperluan logistik dan kawalan keselamatan diperketatkan perlu diteliti oleh

semua pihak. Pihak keselamatan dan PKU telah dilibatkan untuk memastikan

perjalanan kenderaan secara pandu lalu adalah lancar dan tali barricade yang

dipasang oleh pihak keselamatan boleh membantu laluan perjalanan pelajar ke blok

kediaman. Di samping itu, kedudukan kerusi, meja kanopi adalah dipastikan sesuai

dan mematuhi jarak sosial yang digariskan.

Pendaftaran masuk pelajar ke kolej kediaman dilakukan secara pandu lalu iaitu

hanya pelajar sahaja yang dibenarkan turun dari kereta dan menurunkan segala

barang keperluan ke kanopi sebelum mereka mendapat kunci bilik isolasi. Selepas

pelajar menurunkan barang, kereta penjaga atau kenderaan universiti yang

membawa mereka akan di arahkan oleh pengawal keselamatan untuk beredar dan

keluar dari kampus UMT.

Para pelajar akan menuju ke ruang legar blok kediaman mereka dan memaklumkan

butiran peribadi mereka kepada staf bertugas dengan penjarakkan sosial. Kunci

bilik dan kit pendaftaran serta dokumen penting diserahkan menggunakan bakul

khas yang disediakan di atas meja bagi menjaga jarak sosial. Rekod pelajar

dikemaskini oleh staf pendaftaran ke dalam google sheet yang telah disediakan

untu penginapan isolasi yang diberikan secara percuma kepada pelajar dalam dan

luar kampus. Semasa mendaftar pelajar isolasi, mereka akan dikategorikan kepada

dua kumpulan iaitu pelajar yang akan terus menginap di Kolej Kediaman secara

kekal dan pelajar yang hanya menginap di Kolej Kediaman untuk tempoh isolasi

220

sahaja. Perkara ini direkod bagi memastikan tiada kesilapan semasa kolej membuat

janaan yuran penginapan asrama apabila pelajar selesai menjalani tempoh isolasi

nanti.

Untuk mengelakkan berlaku pergerakan secara berkumpulan, para pelajar diminta

mencari sendiri bilik penginapan mereka berdasarkan nombor kunci bilik yang

diberikan merujuk kepada pelan lantai bilik dan tanda arah yang telah disediakan di

papan notis serta setiap ruang bangunan. Tanda arah juga disediakan bagi

membantu pelajar menuju ke bilik penginapan masing-masing. Penetapan bilik

isolasi juga disusun berdasarkan zon iaitu pelajar yang datang dari zon merah

diasingkan daripada pelajar daripada zon yang lain supaya risiko penularan covid19

dapat dielakkan.

Jadual 2 : Penetapan isolasi dan penginapan kekal kepada pelajar

berkeperluan pada 1-8 Mac 2021

FASA

TARIKH MASUK

TEMPOH ISOLASI

BLOK

BILANGAN

KEMASUKAN

MUATAN ISOLASI

MUATAN

SEBENAR

CATATAN

2 SEBILIK

FASA 1

1 MAC 2021

1-10 MAC 2021

IBNU ABAS (IA)

244

248

496

PELAJAR IA KEKAL.

PELAJAR IJ DIPINDAHKAN KE BLOK IA PADA 12 MAC

2 MAC 2021

2-11 MAC 2021

IBNU JARIR (IJ) 248 246 492

492

FASA 2

5 MAC 2021

5-14 MAC 2021

ATTHABRANI (ATB)

248

246

492

PELAJAR ATB KEKAL.

PELAJAR ANN DIPINDAHKAN KE BLOK ATB PADA 16 MAC 2021

6 MAC 2021

6-15 MAC 2021

AN NASAI (ANN) 246 242 484

494

7 MAC 2021

7-16 MAC 2021

IBNU SINA (IS) 272 310 368 PELAJAR IBNU SINA KEKAL

8 MAC 2021

8-17 MAC 2021

IBNU MAJAH (IM)

150

96

192

PELAJAR IM DIPINDAHKAN KE BLOK IBNU SINA PADA 18 MAC 2021

IBNU SINA (IS) 23

422

1408

221

FASA

TARIKH MASUK

TEMPOH ISOLASI

BLOK

BILANGAN

KEMASUKAN

MUATAN ISOLASI

MUATAN

SEBENAR

CATATAN

2 SEBILIK

FASA 1

3 MAC 2021

3-12MAC 2021

IBNU HIBBAN (IH)

281

480

576

PELAJAR IBNU HIBBAN KEMASUKAN 3 MAC KEKAL.

4 MAC 2021

4-13 MAC 2021

IBNU HIBBAN (IH)

198

PELAJAR KEMASUKAN 4 MAC AKAN PENUHKAN KAPASITI SEBENAR PADA 14 MAC

479

KESELURUHAN 1887

Jadual 1 menunjukkan penyusunan keluar masuk pelajar yang diisolasi dan

menginap di bilik kekal. Penyusunan ini dilaksanakan bagi memastikan semua lapan

blok kediaman yang terdiri daripada 2 blok apartment yang mengandungi 5 bilik iaitu

3 bilik berdua dan 2 bilik bertiga serta 6 blok bilik berempat dapat digunakan secara

optimum. Fasa 1 adalah bagi kemasukkan pelajar perempuan dan lelaki manakala

pada fasa 2 adalah kemasukan pelajar perempuan sahaja.

Pada 1 Mac 2021, seramai 246 pelajar perempuan menjalani isolasi di Blok Ibnu

Abbas dan diberikan kunci bilik seunit setiap orang. Setelah tamat tempoh isolasi

pelajar ini tidak perlu menyerahkan kunci bilik di kaunter pejabat kolej kediaman

kerana mereka akan terus menginap di bilik isolasi tersebut sebagai bilik kekal.

Kemasukan 249 pelajar perempuan pada 2 Mac pula akan ditempatkan di Blok Ibnu

Jarir. Mereka hanya diberikan 1 kunci sahaja untuk dikongsi bersama rakan sebilik

kerana pada 12 Mac kerana mereka perlu menyerahkan kunci bilik isolasi dan

mendaftar bilik kekal di Blok Ibnu Abbas serta diberikan kunci bilik kekal setiap

seorang. Pada 3 Mac seramai 244 pelajar lelaki menginap isolasi di Blok Ibnu

Hibban dan terus diberikan kunci bilik kekal manakala pada 4 Mac seramai 198

pelajar lelaki akan menginap di bilik isolasi Ibnu Hibban juga yang mana setelah

tamat tempoh pada 14 Mac mereka akan memenuhkan ruang bilik bertiga di

apartment bilik kekal yang masih berbaki. Tujuan pemindahan pelajar dari bilik

isolasi ke bilik kekal adalah untuk menyediakan ruang isolasi kepada pelajar fasa

berikutnya. Penyusunan penempatan pelajar ini dikategorikan sebagai kemasukan

fasa 1.

222

Pada 5 Mac, seramai 248 pelajar perempuan akan menjalani isolasi di Blok At-

Thabrani dan diberikan kunci bilik kekal manakala pada 6 Mac seramai 246 pelajar

perempuan akan menjalani isolasi di Blok An-Nasai. Setelah tamat isolasi pada 16

Mac, pelajar di Blok An-Nasai akan dipindahkan ke Blok At-Thabrani dan diberikan

kunci bilik kekal. Pada 7 Mac pula, seramai 272 pelajar perempuan akan menjalani

isolasi dan diberikan kunci bilik kekal di Blok Ibnu Sina manakala pada 8 Mac

seramai 96 pelajar perempuan menjalani isolasi di Blok Ibnu Majjah dan 23 orang

pelajar perempuan akan menjalani isolasi dan diberikan kunci bilik kekal di Blok Ibnu

Sina. Penyusunan penempatan pelajar ini dikategorikan sebagai kemasukan fasa

Dengan selesainya penyusunan penginapan ini kolej kediaman berjaya

memaksimumkan penggunaan bilik untuk penginapan isolasi dan penginapan kekal

dan semua pelajar boleh menjalani pengajian secara hybrid mulai 18 Mac 2021.

Pemantauan Tahap Kesihatan

Sebelum pelajar diperakukan bebas isolasi dan memastikan pelajar dalam keadaan

sihat, pihak PKU mewajibkan semua pelajar yang menjalani isolasi mengimbas QR

Code my3k yang mengandungi saringan gejala covid19 pada setiap hari sebelum

jam 10.00 pagi. Setiap pelajar hendaklah jujur dan berintegriti dalam melaporkan

tahap kesihatan mereka kepada pihak PKU. Kegagalan pelajar untuk mengemaskini

tahap kesihatan mereka akan menyebabkan tempoh isolasi mereka akan

dipanjangkan sehingga rekod kesihatan my3k pelajar memaparkan warna hijau 10

hari berturut-turut. Pihak PKU akan segera menghantar paramedik ke blok

penginapan sekiranya mendapati ada pelajar yang mengalami gejala dan terus

membuat pengasingan serta rawatan sewajarnya kepada pelajar.

Menguruskan pendaftaran dan penyerahan kunci bilik penginapan kekal

pelajar di Kolej Kediaman

Semua pelajar yang menginap di Kolej Kediaman perlu didaftarkan dan penyerahan

kunci bilik kekal akan diberikan apabila pelajar mendapat bilik penginapan yang

ditetapkan. Kaedah ini adalah rutin biasa yang dilaksanakan bagi memastikan

223

pelajar menginap di bilik penginapan yang betul dan caj yuran asrama dikenakan

berdasarkan kadar bilik yang didiami.

Para pelajar yang telah selesai menjalani tempoh isolasi 10 hari dan kekal sihat akan

mendapat surat pelepasan isolasi daripada PKU. Pada hari kesebelas isolasi, para

pelajar yang sihat dan tiada gejala sepanjang tempoh isolasi akan dijadualkan oleh

PKU untuk turun secara runcit mengikut aras dan bilik tertentu ke ruang legar blok

kediaman untuk mendapatkan surat pelepasan isolasi dan dipotong gelang isolasi

oleh pihak PKU. Selesai urusan ini, para pelajar akan menuju ke kaunter

penyerahan kunci isolasi dan pengambilan kunci bilik kekal di ruang legar Pejabat

Kolej Kediaman. Manakala bagi pelajar luar kampus, mereka diminta memulangkan

kunci bilik isolasi di kaunter tersebut dan boleh mendaftar keluar untuk menginap di

luar kampus. Semasa urusan ini berlangsung, data pelajar yang kekal menginap

akan dimasukkan ke dalam sistem kolej kediaman bagi tujuan penjanaan yuran

penginapan.

Menguruskan perbekalan makanan dan keperluan harian pelajar isolasi

Sepanjang tempoh isolasi, keperluan bekalan makanan dan keperluan harian para

pelajar adalah satu cabaran yang memerlukan kesabaran dan komitmen yang

tinggi. Menyedari tentang keperluan ini, UMT telah melantik seramai 50 orang

sukarelawan dan staf untuk berganding bahu mengagihkan dan menghantar

tempahan makanan serta barang keperluan ke bilik pelajar. Bagi melancarkan

urusan tempahan, satu aplikasi telah disediakan untuk para pelajar membuat

tempahan yang dinamakan sebagai aplikasi i-delivery.

Melalui sistem ini, para pelajar akan membuat tempahan makanan dan membuat

bayaran secara atas talian. Makanan akan diurus oleh sukarelawan untuk dihantar

ke bilik isolasi sebanyak 3 kali sehari. Di samping itu, para sukarelawan juga

memantau aspek kebersihan dan kutipan sampah sarap yang berada di sekitar bilik

pelajar supaya urusan pembersihan yang dilakukan oleh staf pembersihan cekap

dan teratur.

224

Rajah 2 : iDelivery@umt

Rajah 3 : Menu yang disediakan untuk ditempah oleh pelajar

225

Gambar 2: Kaedah tempahan makanan

Rajah 4 : Jadual agihan makanan kepada pelajar isolasi

Memantau keselamatan dan pematuhan SOP

Pemantauan berkenaan pematuhan SOP di kalangan para pelajar juga menuntut

komitmen semua pihak terutamanya staf keselamatan dan staf kolej kediaman

dalam memastikan tiada pelajar yang keluar dari bilik isolasi untuk mengadakan

aktiviti berkumpulan dan mendedahkan mereka kepada pelajar sedia ada di kolej

kediaman selagi mereka belum bebas tempoh isolasi dan diisytiharkan sihat tanpa

226

Covid19 oleh pihak PKU. Bagi merealisasikan perkara ini, staf di Kolej Kediaman

telah menyediakan barricade di lokasi yang menjadi tumpuan pelajar dan juga di

laluan utama blok supaya para pelajar peka dengan pengasingan kendiri yang

sedang dilaksanakan oleh pihak universiti. Hebahan dan notis pematuhan SOP juga

telah ditampal di lokasi strategik termasuk membuat hebahan berkala melalui

aplikasi whatsapp dan facebook Kolej Kediaman. Selanjutnya bagi memastikan

perkara ini dipatuhi, pihak keselamatan membuat rondaan secara rawak sebanyak 6

kali sehari bagi mengawasi tingkah laku para pelajar. Pelajar yang cuba melanggar

pematuhan kawalan kendiri akan diberi peringatan dan tindakan tegas oleh pihak

keselamatan sekiranya ingkar. Staf Kolej Kediaman bersama dengan pihak

Pembangunan dan Harta juga akan bekerjasama untuk membuat sanitasi di ruang

yang digunakan oleh pelajar yang mempunyai gejala apabila mendapat input

tersebut daripada PKU bagi memastikan setiap ruang di kolej kediaman adalah

bersih dari kuman Covid19.

Menguruskan emosi pelajar dengan perkhidmatan bimbingan dan kaunseling.

Bahagian Kaunseling di Jabatan Hal Ehwal Pelajar sentiasa bersedia menerima

aduan pelajar yang memerlukan bimbingan dan kaunseling bagi menangani

masalah emosi, akademik dan sosial sepanjang proses adaptasi normal baharu ini.

Sesi secara atas talian akan dihubungkan dengan kaunselor profesional dan terlatih

dan pelajar akan dirujuk kepada pihak hos[pital jika memerlukan bantuan perubatan

susulan.

Rumusan

Keadaan ketidaktentuan akibat pandemik Covid-19 telah memberi kesan yang buruk

kepada pelbagai aspek kehidupan. Bagi sektor pendidikan, pandemik telah

mengakibatkan hampir keseluruhan pelajar mengalami masalah kerana terpaksa

melaluinya secara atas talian sepenuhnya pada peringkat awal. Namun melihat

kepada masa depan sektor ini, pihak MKN telah meluluskan pembelajaran secara

hibrid kepada sesetengah program pengajian yang kritikal. UMT juga mempunyai

program yang kritikal dan memerlukan kepada pembelajaran secara bersemuka.

Kemasukan pelajar berkeperluan ini telah disusun mengikut SOP yang disusun

227

mengikut kaedah yang dan prosedur yang menepati SOP MKN dan pekeliling sedia

ada. Kesan kepada pematuhan yang dirangka, dinilai, disahkan, diaplikasi dan

dipantau ini telah memberi kesan gelembung hijau kepada zon UMT. Akhirnya

gelembung hijau ini berjaya mengekang penularan wabak Covid-19 di zon UMT dan

memberi keselesaan fizikal dan emosi kepada warga UMT.

Rujukan

Berita Harian 17 April 2020: Covid-19: Langkah proaktif cegah penularan dalam

kalangan warga asing

Berita Harian 31 Januari 2021: 6 Kategori Pelajar dibenarkan kembali ke kampus 1

Mac

Miquel Oliu-Barton, Bary S.R. Pradelski, Green zoning: An effective policy tool to

tackle the Covid-19 pandemic, Health Policy, Volume 125, Issue 8, 2021,

Pages 981-986,ISSN 0168-8510,

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.healthpol.2021.06.001.

Kirin, A., Ahmad Sharifuddin, Mohd Hisyam Abdul Rahim, Shakila Ahmad, Sharifah

Khadijah, & Abdullah Sulaiman. (2021). - Impak Pengajaran dan Pembelajaran

Secara Online: Kajian Kes Terhadap Pelajar Sekolah Rendah, Menengah

dan

Universiti Semasa Pandemik Covid-19: -. Advances in Humanities and

Contemporary Studies, 2(1), 127-136.

Jabatan Perangkaan Malaysia, Sekretariat Dan Jawatankuasa Khas Dosm

Menangani Covid- 19: Statistik & Infomedia (BDA) (2021), Berita Dan Isu

Semasa Impak Covid-19 Kepada Ekonomi, Bil 2/2021

228

Lampiran 1

PROSEDUR MASUK KE ASRAMA KOLEJ KEDIAMAN UMT DALAM

TEMPOH PKPP

Tahniah dan selamat datang kepada Pelajar Baharu Asasi STEM (PASTEM)

dan Diploma ke Kolej Kediaman. Sila patuhi prosedur masuk kampus.

Sila pastikan anda telah membuat deklarasi kesihatan melalui aplikasi My3K

dan telah mendaftar dalam aplikasi MySejahtera.

Pengambilan kunci pelajar baharu di Kolej Kediaman UMT akan dilaksanakan

secara pandu lalu.

Sila sertakan salinan ―Slip Pendaftaran Asrama‖ untuk pengesahan diri

semasa

pendaftaran di pintu masuk ke Kolej Kediaman.

Pelajar akan dibekalkan kunci bilik selepas selesai urusan pengesahan

maklumat diri.

Hanya pelajar sahaja yang dibenarkan berada dalam blok Kolej kediaman.

Parkir kenderaan pengiring pelajar adalah di Dataran Parkir Pusat Sukan UMT

229

Carta Alir Proses Kemasukan Pelajar Berkeperluan ke Kolej Kediaman

Bil Keterangan / Tanggungjawab

MULA

Carta Alir

MULA

Rujukan

1. Pelajar Cetak Slip Pendaftaran Asrama

UMT Sesi 2020/2021

2. Pelajar disaring di Pos Keselamatan

Kolej Kediaman Tidak

3. Pelajar masuk ke Kolej Kediaman dan

akan berhenti di Checkpoint 1

Pelajar tunjuk Slip Pendaftaran

Asrama untuk pengesahan Ya

Lulus?

4. Pegawai checkpoint 1 mengimbas kad

matrik ke mesin pengimbas dan

memastikan nama pelajar adalah

sepertimana Slip Pendaftaran Asrama

Maklumat pelajar beserta nombor bilik

direkod dalam sistem

5. Pelajar diberikan kunci bilik dan akan

bergerak ke blok penginapan.

6. Pelajar tiba di Pandu Henti samada

“DropPoint” 2 atau 3 dan perlu

turunkan barang dari kenderaan.

Kenderaan pengiring pelajar terus

bergerak keluar ke dataran parkir Pusat

Sukan UMT

7. Pelajar diiringi oleh sukarelawan kolej

masuk ke bilik mengikut nombor bilik

yang diberi

Pegawai akan cop terimaan pada

surat tawaran pelajar dan surat

akan dikembalikan kepada

pelajar

Rekod senarai nama pelajar

baharu dari sistem kemasukan

pelajar baharu.

Nombor Bilik adalah berdasarkan

nombor di slip Pendaftaran

Pelajar

Lelaki :Blok AtTharmidzi

Perempuan :Blok Ibnu Majjah

“DropPoint 2” – Blok At

Tharmidzi

“DropPoint 2”- Blok Ibnu

Majjah

Felo dan Pegawai akan bantu

untuk angkat barang pelajar

8. Tamat

TAMAT

7

6

5

4

2

1

3

230

PENGAJARAN DAN PEMBELAJARAN (PdP) KETIKA PANDEMIK; PROSEDUR OPERASI STANDARD (SOP) UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA TERENGGANU

Rohaida Awang

Kolej Kediaman, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu

Riswadi Azmi Pusat Pendidikan Asas dan Lanjutan (PPAL), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu

riswadi@umt.edu,my

Nik Aziz Nik Ali Fakulti Perikanan dan Sains Makanan (FPSM), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu

Wan Nusrahizwah Wan Awang

Ahmad Fadhli Hamzah Nur Akmal Hakim binti Eya

Kolej Kediaman, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu

Abstrak

Penularan pandemik Covid-19 telah memberi kesan kepada proses Pembelajaran dan

Pengajaran (P&P). Pelbagai norma baharu telah wujud dalam proses PdP terutama

bagi memberi ruang kepada pelajar yang berkeperluan khas untuk meneruskan

pembelajaran dengan lebih berkesan. Objektif artikel ini ialah untuk berkongsi

pengalaman Kolej Kediaman UMT dalam merancang, menyusun dan melaksanakan

Prosedur Operasi Standard (SOP) kemasukan pelajar yang berkeperluan untuk

bersemuka ke Kolej Kediaman semasa proses kemasukan pelajar ke Universiti

Malaysia Terengganu Semester 2 Sesi 2020/2021. Kaedah kajian adalah kualitatif iaitu

dengan meneliti SOP yang dikeluarkan oleh pihak berkuasa dengan mengambil kira

logistik, lokasi pelajar dan fasiliti sedia ada UMT. Hasilnya, mendapati Prosedur Operasi

Standard (SOP) yang disusun dan dilaksanakan ini berjaya mengelakkan penularan

Covid-19 berlaku dalam UMT. Kejayaan ini adalah berpunca daripada pematuhan

kepada Prosedur Operasi Standard (SOP) dan keterlibatan banyak pihak dalam

pengurusan kemasukan pelajar ke Kolej Kediaman UMT. Perkongsian pengalaman ini

diharapkan dapat membantu agensi lain dalam menyusun Prosedur Operasi Standard

(SOP) bagi memastikan penularan Covid-19 dapat diatasi.

Kata kunci: Pembelajaran dan Pengajaran (PdP)-Prosedur Operasi Standard (SOP),

Kolej Kediaman UMT

Pendahuluan

231

Penularan pandemik Covid-19 merupakan isu yang memberi implikasi kepada seluruh

dunia. Data daripada Jabatan Perangkaan Malaysia Bil2/202 melaporkan bahawa,

pandemik yang dikesan bermula di Malaysia pada akhir 2019 ini, bukan sahaja

menimbulkan isu kesihatan sejagat, bahkan ia memberi kesan yang buruk dalam

pelbagai aspek terutama pada aspek ekonomi, pendidikan, populasi, kemanusian dan

sosio budaya. (Jabatan Perangkaan Malaysia, 2021) Perintah Kawalan Pergerakan

(PKP) yang dilaksanakan seluruh negara telah mewujudkan pelbagai norma baharu

terutama dalam aspek Pengajaran dan Pembelajaran (P&P) yang dijalankan atas talian

(Kirin, A., Ahmad Sharifuddin, Mohd Hisyam Abdul Rahim, Shakila Ahmad, Sharifah

Khadijah, & Abdullah Sulaiman, 2021). Norma baharu ini telah sedikit sebanyak

memberi kesan kepada pelajar UMT yang terjejas pembelajaran akibat capaian internet

yang lemah, keperluan kerja amali di makmal dan juga pembelajaran secara

bersemuka bersama penyelia bagi pelajar yang perlu menyiapkan kerja tahun akhir.

Masalah yang dihadapi oleh sebahagian besar pelajar Institusi Pengajian Tinggi (IPT)

ketika tempoh PKP ini telah mengakibatkan Majlis Keselamatan Negara (MKN)

menyediakan Prosedur Operasi Standard (SOP) bagi membenarkan sebahagian

pelajar yang memerlukan kepada P&P secara bersemuka (Majlis Keselamatan Negara,

2020). Walaubagaimanapun, SOP yang disediakan oleh MKN hanyalah SOP yang

berbentuk umum kepada semua IPT, sedangkan setiap IPT mempunyai kemudahan

logistik, lokasi pelajar dan fasiliti yang berbeza.

Menurut Carian Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka prosedur ialah aturan, tatacara, kaedah

bekerja atau melakukan sesuatu yang perlu dipatuhi bagi mencapai tujuan tertentu dan

termasuk sebahagian daripada peraturan. Operasi pula bermaksud kegiatan,gerakan

atau perjalanan sesuatu proses, alat dan sebagainya manakala standard pula piawai

atau sesuatu yang diterima (diiktiraf) dan dijadikan dasar untuk mengukur (menilai)

sesuatu yang lain. Oleh itu, Prosedur Operasi Standard (SOP) yang ingin dibentangkan

dalam kertas ini adalah untuk mengupas secara terperinci tatacara yang telah

dilaksanakan oleh UMT dalam menguruskan kemasukan pelajar berkeperluan kembali

ke kampus dan menginap di Kolej Kediaman sebagaimana menepati piawai yang telah

ditetapkan oleh pihak Majlis Keselamatan Negara (MKN) dan Kementerian Kesihatan

Malaysia (KKM).

232

Penangguhan pendaftaran pelajar secara fizikal bagi kemasukan Oktober 2020 dan

penangguhan pelajar lama untuk kembali semula ke kampus akibat penularan virus

Covid19 telah memberi kesan langsung terhadap keseluruhan pihak berkepentingan

dalam institusi pendidikan tinggi seperti pelajar, pensyarah, pengurusan dan

pentadbiran. Kesan negatif penangguhan kemasukan pelajar yang sering diutarakan

ialah kesukaran pelajar dalam menjalani pengajian secara atas talian akibat keperluan

menjalani amali di makmal, capaian internet yang lemah dan juga prasarana yang

terhad. Selari dengan hasrat kerajaan untuk memastikan kualiti pendidikan tinggi

negara terjamin, Kementerian Pengajian Tinggi telah memperhalusi untuk

membenarkan kemasukan pelajar ke IPT secara fizikal secara berfasa mulai 1 Mac

2021 bagi mengikuti pengajaran dan pembelajaran (PdP) secara bersemuka dan atas

talian (Sinar Harian, 2020).

Susulan daripada itu, pihak UMT telah mengambil tindakan segera untuk menguruskan

kemasukan pelajar kembali ke kampus dengan menyediakan Prosedur Operasi

Standard (SOP) dengan mengutamakan langkah keselamatan serta mengamalkan

pembudayaan norma baharu supaya UMT tiada jangkitan Covid19 dan berada dalam

zon hijau. Oleh yang demikian, objektif kertas ini adalah untuk berkongsi amalan SOP

yang disediakan secara terperinci oleh UMT mengikut kepada keperluan lokaliti.

Limitasi kajian adalah kepada SOP yang dilaksanakan di kolej kediaman sahaja. Ini

kerana kolej kediaman merupakan fasiliti yang dekat dengan pelajar dan kolej

kediaman juga merupakan tempat paling lama pelajar menghabiskan masa ketika di

kampus.

Metodologi

Bagi mencapai objektif kajian yang digariskan, kaedah kajian kualitatif digunakan iaitu

dengan meneliti dan menganalisis dokumen berkaitan polisi dan SOP yang telah

ditetapkan oleh badan-badan berkaitan seperti MKN, KKM dan peraturan sedia ada

UMT. Prosedur kajian ditunjukkan sebagaimana rajah 1 di bawah;

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Keputusan

Pengaplikasian

Rajah 1: Prosedur kajian

Berdasarkan jadual 1.0, prosedur kajian dimulakan dengan mencari dan

mengumpulkan data kepustakaan. Data dan dokumen yang terlibat ialah yang

berkaitan dengan bahan-bahan yang boleh membantu penyediaan SOP seperti

dokumen yang dikeluarkan oleh badan-badan berkepentingan dan pemegang taruh.

Seterusnya proses padanan dilakukan dengan mengambil kira SOP dan polisi sedia

ada. Setelah itu, penilaian dilakukan untuk mengenal pasti risiko yang akan berlaku.

Penambah baikkan dilakukan berdasarkan penilaian pakar dan seterusnya

pengesahan dilakukan oleh pemegang taruh melalui mesyuarat JK Bencana UMT.

SOP yang telah diluluskan diaplikasikan dan keputusan diperolehi. Hasil daripada

pelaksanaan SOP ini dijelaskan sebagaimana dalam hasil dapatan kajian.

Hasil dan Dapatan Kajian

Hasil kajian mendapati SOP yang disusun dengan prosedur kajian yang jelas telah

menunjukkan kepada tatacara susunan proses kerja sebagaimana jadual 2;

Pencarian dan

pengumpulan dokumen

Padanan dengan polisi dan SOP

Penilaian dan pengesahan

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Menggerakkan jawatankuasa pelaksana dan menyediakan kemudahan

prasarana untuk sesi kemasukan pelajar

Rajah 2: Tatacara Pengurusan

Tatacara pengurusan adalah secara konsep di mana setiap dasar dan kaedah yang

telah dilulus dan dilaksanakan di UMT diperjelaskan satu persatu mengikut susunan

proses kerja yang berlaku. Tatacara pengurusan yang telah diwujudkan di UMT ialah:

Kupasan tentang prosedur operasi standard (SOP) kemasukan pelajar berkeperluan

kembali ke kampus adalah berkisar kepada konsep dan tatacara pengurusan operasi

sebelum, semasa dan selepas kemasukan pelajar di kampus yang mana para pelajar

akhirnya dapat menginap dan menjalani pengajian hybrid sepanjang berada di Kolej

Kediaman. Dalam kertas ini, kupasan hanya akan diperincikan dalam aspek sebelum

dan semasa sahaja kerana aspek selepas kemasukan pelajar ke kolej akan dikupas

dalam kertas lain secara lebih terperinci.

Setiap hari pihak KKM akan melaporkan data berkenaan Covid19 melalui aplikasi

MySejahtera dan media sosial. Data ini akan menjadi pandauan dan rujukan seluruh

rakyat Malaysia dalam membuat tindakbalas kawalan kendiri dan pencegahan wabak

Membuat taklimat secara virtual kepada para pelajar

Menyediakan SOP Kemasukan Pelajar ke Kampus

Membangunkan

modul my3k

Mengenalpasti para pelajar yang berkeperluan

kembali ke kampus

Membangunkan

modul e2kc

Menubuhkan Jawatankuasa

Pelaksana Kemasukan Pelajar

Berkeperluan ke Kampus

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yang melanda. Bagi meningkatkan pemakluman tentang Covid19 di kalangan warga

UMT, petugas di Bilik Gerakan Covid19 telah memuat naik laporan KKM ini untuk

dihebahkan kepada seluruh warga UMT sebagai rujukan rasmi dalam melaksanakan

urusan operasi harian di universiti.

Apabila UMT ingin melaksanakan kemasukan pelajar berkeperluan secara berfasa mulai

1 Mac 2021, umum menyedari bahawa separuh daripada negeri-negeri di Malaysia telah

berada dalam zon merah iaitu mempunyai kes jangkitan melebihi 40 kes sehari. Ini

memberi indikator bahawa kebolehjangkitan Covid19 adalah tinggi sekiranya para

pelajar yang diberi kebenaran masuk ke kampus adalah pelajar dari zon merah

sekiranya langkah pencegahan di institusi tidak diperketatkan.

Peningkatan kes covid19 boleh berlaku dengan kadar yang sangat cepat (Sina Harian:

14 Mei 2021). Universiti hendaklah mempastikan tiada kemasukan virus Covid19 di

universiti terutamanya di Kolej Kediaman kerana apabila terdapat satu kes sahaja di

universiti atau di Kolej Kediaman, ianya akan merebak dengan begitu pantas. SOP di

asrama perlu dipatuhi bagi mengelakkan penularan lebih cepat dalam kalangan pelajar.

Walaubagaimanapun, umum menyedari bahawa pematuhan SOP di kalangan pelajar

adalah sukar untuk dilaksanakan memandangkan mereka tinggal berdua, berempat

atau berkumpulan yang menyebabkan mereka bergaul rapat dan berkongsi alat

keperluan.

Rajah 3 : Salah satu contoh laporan KKM berkenaan jangkitan kes Covid19 di Malaysia

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Menubuhkan Jawatankuasa Pelaksana Kemasukan Pelajar Berkeperluan ke

Kampus

Satu jawatankuasa Pelaksana Kemasukan Pelajar Berkeperluan ditubuhkan yang

dipengerusikan oleh Timbalan Naib Canselor (Akademik dan Antarabangsa) dan ahli

yang terdiri daripada wakil Pusat Pengurusan Akademik dan Kualiti (PPAK), Pusat

Kesihatan Universiti (PKU), Keselamatan, Kolej Kediaman dan Fakulti. Jawatankuasa

ini bertanggungjawab menyediakan kertas pertimbangan, prosedur operasi standard

dan mengemukakan cadangan ahli ke mesyuarat tertinggi untuk kelulusan

pelaksanaan atau penguatkuasaan. Melalui jawatankuasa ini isu-isu keperluan pelajar

dan universiti diperhalusi untuk disantuni dengan cara terbaik.

Membangunkan modul e2kc

Bagi memastikan kemasukan pelajar berkeperluan yang sebahagian besarnya datang

daripada zon merah di seluruh Malaysia ke kampus dan seterusnya menginap di Kolej

Kediaman UMT bebas daripada Covid19, UMT telah menjalankan langkah-langkah

pencegahan sebelum, semasa dan selepas kemasukan pelajar. Langkah awal yang

dilaksanakan ialah UMT membangunkan sistem e-Kemasukan Khas Covid (e2kc) yang

merekod permohonan pelajar masuk ke kampus. Sistem ini dibangunkan oleh Pusat

Ekosistem Digital (PED) untuk membolehkan para pensyarah yang dilantik sebagai

mentor mencalonkan pelajar iaitu mentee mereka yang menepati syarat sebagai

berkeperluan untuk masuk ke kampus.

Permohonan para pelajar yang berkeperluan kembali ke kampus menggunakan

sistem e2kc.

Pihak Kolej Kediaman diberikan mandat yang besar untuk menentukan tarikh

kemasukan pelajar ke kampus kerana limitasi bilik penginapan isolasi dan bilik

penginapan kekal yang mampu disediakan kepada para pelajar yang berkeperluan.

Langkah pertama yang perlu ditetapkan ialah dengan menentukan jumlah bilik yang

boleh disediakan dengan kapasiti 2 orang sebilik dan pengasingan jantina pelajar

berdasarkan blok penginapan. Menyedari tentang kekangan bilik penginapan yang ada,

hanya separuh daripada kapasiti sebenar sahaja ruang penginapan boleh

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diperuntukkan kepada pelajar isolasi berbanding kapasiti sebenar bilik penginapan iaitu

empat orang sebilik.

Para pensyarah di fakulti dan institut akan membuat saringan dan tapisan para pelajar

yang benar-benar berkeperluan untuk kembali ke kampus. Pensyarah akan

memberikan butiran pelajar yang berkeperluan masuk ke kampus kepada penyelaras

program. Selepas semua data telah dikumpul, mentor pelajar akan mencalonkan nama

pelajar ke dalam sistem e-Kemasukan Khas Covid (e2kc). Apabila pelajar telah

dicalonkan oleh mentor masing-masing, pelajar boleh mengisi permohonan masuk ke

kampus dengan melengkapkan maklumat penempatan mereka serta memuatnaik

rekod mysejahtera ke dalam sistem. Permohonan ini akan diluluskan oleh Dekan untuk

membolehkan pelajar mencetak slip kebenaran masuk ke kampus bagi membolehkan

pelajar memulakan perjalanan dan melepasi kawalan pos keselamatan UMT. Senarai

nama pelajar direkodkan dalam sistem dan laporan senarai kemasukan pelajar akan

diakses oleh pihak keselamatan, PKU dan Kolej Kediaman untuk kerja-kerja

persediaan kemasukan pelajar ke kampus.

Berdasarkan senarai nama pelajar yang diluluskan kemasukan ke kampus, pihak Kolej

Kediaman akan menyusun ruang penginapan pelajar mengikut program pengajian,

blok kediaman dan tarikh kemasukan. Perkara ini perlu dibuat dengan teliti bagi

memastikan pelajar setiap program dapat masuk ke kampus sebagaimana dijadualkan

dengan ruang penginapan isolasi mencukupi.

Kemasukan pelajar berkeperluan ke kampus dilaksana sebanyak 3 fasa dan disusun

mengikut program pengajian, jantina dan mengambilkira bilangan bilik isolasi yang

terhad berbanding permohonan masuk ke kampus yang tinggi. Penetapan tarikh

berdasarkan fasa dibuat kerana mengambil kira kesediaan ruang isolasi selama 10 hari

sebelum pelajar dipindahkan ke bilik penginapan kekal bagi membolehkan bilik isolasi

yang dikosongkan tersebut didiami pula oleh pelajar fasa seterusnya.Tarikh yang

ditetapkan oleh Kolej Kediaman ini akan dipaparkan dalam slip e2kc bagi membolehkan

para pelajar yang disusun mengikit program pengajian berurusan dengan mentor

masing-masing dan dapat merancang perjalanan masuk ke kampus UMT dengan

teratur.

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Jadual 1: Jadual kemasukan pelajar secara berfasa ke Blok Penginapan Isolasi

Fasa Tarikh Jantina Blok Penginapan

1 1 Mac Perempuan IA

2 Mac IJ

2 3 dan 4 Mac IH

3 5 Mac Lelaki ATB

6,Mac ANN

7, dan 8 Mac IS

Rajah 3 : Penetapan bilangan kemasukan pelajar berdasarkan program pengajian bersandarkan kapasiti ruang penginapan di Blok Kolej Kediaman

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240

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Membangunkan modul my3k

Sebaik sahaja pelajar mendapat kelulusan masuk ke kampus, mereka dikehendaki

mengisi Borang Saringan untuk kemasukan ke Kampus UMT bagi memantau tahap

kesihatan mereka setiap hari. Aplikasi yang telah disediakan untuk membuat saringan

kesihatan pelajar kesihatan ini juga telah dibangunkan oleh PED yang dikenali sebagai

Kembali ke Kampus (my3k). Melalui sistem ini, pelajar diwajibkan merekodkan tahap

kesihatan mereka dengan menjawab soalan-soalan yang disediakan dalam sistem

my3K Dalam masa yang sama pelajar juga dikehendaki mengaktifkan rekod

mysejahtera dengan mengimbas setiap lokasi yang mereka kunjungi sekurang-

kurangnya 10 hari sebelum mereka bertolak ke Kolej Kediaman UMT.

Rajah 4 : Sistem Kembali ke Kampus (my3k).

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Sekiranya, pelajar mempunyai gejala sepanjang tempoh 10 hari tersebut, pelajar

diwajibkan ulang semula pemantauan kesihatan mereka bermula dari hari pertama

dalam memastikan pelajar benar-benar sihat sekurang-kurangnya dalam tempoh 10

hari sebelum bertolak ke UMT. Pelajar yang tinggal di Zon merah digalakkan untuk

membuat swap test bagi memastikan dengan lebih tepat tahap kesihatan mereka

sebelum mereka bergerak kembali ke kampus.

Menyediakan SOP Kemasukan Pelajar ke Kampus

Kolej Kediaman di Jabatan Hal Ehwal Pelajar bertanggungjawab menyediakan

Prosedur Operasi Standard (SOP) yang menerangkan berkenaan aliran perjalanan

pelajar yang akan masuk ke kampus bermula dari pintu masuk utama universiti

sehinggalah para pelajar selamat mendaftar penginapan di Kolej Kediaman.

Rajah 5 :Pergerakan pelajar sebelum dan semasa masuk ke Kolej Kediaman

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Berdasarkan Gambarajah 2 di atas, para pelajar yang memasuki pintu masuk kampus

UMT dikehendaki memaparkan slip kelulusan e2kc kepada pengawal keselamatan yang

bertugas dan juga memaparkan rekod kelulusan kebenaran masuk ke kampus pada

modul my3k dengan paparan kad hijau selama 10 hari berturut-turut. Setelah itu, para

pelajar diarah meneruskan perjalanan ke kaunter PKU untuk menjalani saringan risiko.

Di kaunter ini para pegawai perubatan akan meneliti rekod saringan risiko yang telah

diperakukan oleh pelajar, menyemak suhu badan dan memberikan kit kesihatan yang

mengandungi pelitup muka dan cecair pembasmi kuman. Pelajar yang tiada gelaja dan

dikenalpasti sihat akan diberi kebenaran untuk masuk ke Kolej Kediaman bagi

menjalani proses isolasi selama 10 hari. Para pelajar akan dipakaikan gelang yang

mencatatkan butiran nama pelajar dan tarikh kemasukan ke Kolej Kediaman surat

kelulusan saringan gejala untuk dikemukakan kepada staf di Kolej Kediaman.

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Kemasukan pelajar ke Kolej Kediaman adalah secara pandu lalu iaitu hanya pelajar

sahaja yang dibenarkan turun dari kenderaan dan menurunkan bagasi masing-masing

di ruang meletak bagasi yang disediakan. Kenderaan ibu-bapa atau penjaga akan terus

bergerak ke pintu keluar selepas pelajar selesai menurunkan bagasi dan bertolak

pulang ke kampung halaman masing- masing. Bagi memastikan jarak sosial dan

prosedur operasi standard membenteras COVID19 dipatuhi, pasukan keselamatan dan

sukarelawan dari kalangan pelajar digerakkan untuk menguatkuasa pematuhan

peraturan ini. Laluan di kesemua ruang di Blok penginapan ditanda dengan tali khas

untuk memastikan perjalanan pelajar mengikut arah yang teratur di samping poster-

poster pematuhan SOP dipaparkan di lokasi yang strategik. Para pelajar yang

menggunakan pengangkutan awam seperti bas dan kapal terbang turut disantuni oleh

UMT. Pihak Hal Ehwal Pelajar dan Alumni (HEPA) dengan kerjasama Pejabat

Pengurusan dan Harta (PPH) menyediakan kenderaan untuk mengambil pelajar di

lapangan terbang dan stesen bas bagi memastikan pelajar tidak terdedah kepada

khalayak yang ramai di tempat-tempat awam.

Gambar 1: Kemasukan pelajar ke Kolej Kediaman secara pandu lalu

Pelajar akan menuju ke kaunter penyerahan kunci bilik yang disediakan di aras bawah

blok kediaman. Di sini, pelajar akan diberikan alat pembesar suara bagi memaklumkan

kepada petugas nombor matrik, nombor telefon dan keperluan penginapan sama ada

untuk tempoh satu semester atau tempoh isolasi sahaja. Maklumat yang disampaikan

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oleh pelajar akan direkodkan dalam dokumen google sheet yang disediakan supaya

memudahkan staf bertugas menyalurkan maklumat tersebut ke sistem Kolej Kediaman

bagi tujuan penjanaan yuran penginapan. Penyerahan kunci diserahkan melalui

perantaraan bakul kunci ke meja pelajar oleh felo bertugas.

Rajah 6 : Pendaftaran penginapan pelajar dan penyerahan kunci bilik dengan

pematuhan jarak sosial

Rajah 7 : Pelajar beratur dengan jarak yang dibenarkan serta kemudahan notis penting

di paparan hadapan untuk memberi info terkini semasa di Kolej Kediaman

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Membuat taklimat secara virtual kepada para pelajar

Dalam melaksanakan sesuatu proses, tidak dinafikan keperluan sesi enggangement di

antara pihak pengurusan universiti dengan pihak berkepentingan terutamanya para

pelajar dan ibu bapa. Menyedari perihal ini, Majlis Perwakilan Pelajar (MPP) serta

Timbalan Naib Canselor HEPA turut mengadakan sesi taklimat secara virtual melalui

aplikasi webex kepada para pelajar. Melalui sesi ini, para pelajar boleh mengajukan

persoalan, isu-isu, keperluan dan cadangan penambahbaikan bagi melancarkan

proses kemasukan pelajar ke kampus.

Menggerakkan jawatankuasa pelaksana dan menyediakan kemudahan prasarana

untuk sesi kemasukan pelajar ke kampus

Jawatankuasa utama yang terlibat sepanjang sesi kemasukan pelajar ke kampus ialah

pihak keselamatan, PKU dan Kolej Kediaman. Ketiga-tiga pusat tanggungjawab ini

sentiasa siap siaga untuk menguruskan kemasukan pelajar dalam suasana langkah

keselamatan diperketatkan bagi menjamin tiada penularan Covid19 berlaku di kampus.

Di samping itu, pihak Pembangunan dan Harta juga tidak terkecuali membantu dalam

menyediakan prasarana seperti kanopi, kerusi, meja serta kenderaan untuk mengambil

pelajar di stesen bas serta di lapangan terbang untuk masuk ke kampus mengikut

jadual yang telah disediakan.

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Rumusan

Melalui SOP serta perancangan yang teliti dan kerjasama semua pihak di peringkat

pengurusan, ahli akademik, pelajar, pegawai pengurusan dan sokongan serta ibu-bapa

UMT telah berjaya menguruskan kemasukan pelajar berkeperluan ke kampus dengan

lancar. Sehingga kini UMT telah berjaya mengekalkan rekod tiada berlaku penularan

Covid19 dengan langkah pencegahan awal pelajar yang bergejala serta membuat

pengasingan terhadap pelajar yang mempunyai kontek rapat dengan pelajar bergejala.

Semua ini bukan satu kerja mudah tetapi memerlukan komitmen padu dan keikhlasan

hati sepanjang menggalas tanggungjawab demi menyelamatkan nyawa setiap manusia

yang merupakan aset penting kepada kemakmuran negara kita yang tercinta.

Penghargaan

Kejayaan UMT mengekang penularan Covid19 di kampus adalah kejayaan semua

pihak terutamanya par barisan hadapan iaitu staf di Kolej Kediaman, Keselamatan dan

Pusat Kesihatan Universiti.

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Rujukan

Berita Harian 17 April 2020

FAQs dan mitos mengenai COVID-19: Dr. Lee Yew Fong, MBBS, OHD, MHM, National

Cancer Society Malaysia

Berita Harian (31 Januari 2021): 6 Kategori pelajar dibenarkan Kembali ke kampus 1

Mac Sinar Harian: Pelajar IPT dibenar kembali ke kampus mulai 1 Mac

MUKHRIZ

MAT HUSIN| | 31 Disember 2020 Artikel Penuh

https://www.sinarharian.com.my/article/117028/BERITA/Nasional/Pelajar-IPT-

dibenar- kembali-ke-kampus-mulai-1-Mac© 2018

99 pelajar asrama SMA Setiu dijangkiti Covid-19 NORHASPIDA YATIM | | 14 Mei 2021

Artikel Penuh : https://www.sinarharian.com.my/article/138470/KHAS/Covid-

19/99-pelajar- asrama-SMA-Setiu-dijangkiti-Covid-19

Kenyataan Akhbar KPK 1 Mac 2021 – Situasi Semasa Jangkitan Penyakit Coronavirus

(Covid19) 2019 di Malaysia: DG of Healthon 1 Mac 2021

Kirin, A., Ahmad Sharifuddin, Mohd Hisyam Abdul Rahim, Shakila Ahmad, Sharifah

Khadijah, & Abdullah Sulaiman. (2021). - Impak Pengajaran dan Pembelajaran

Secara Online: Kajian Kes Terhadap Pelajar Sekolah Rendah, Menengah dan

Universiti Semasa Pandemik Covid-19: -. Advances in Humanities and

Contemporary Studies, 2(1), 127-136.

Jabatan Perangkaan Malaysia, Sekretariat Dan Jawatankuasa Khas Dosm Menangani

Covid- 19: Statistik & Infomedia (BDA) (2021), Berita Dan Isu Semasa Impak

Covid-19 Kepada Ekonomi, Bil 2/2021

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DATA ON RESIDENTIAL COLLEGE: A CATALYST FOR STRATEGIC HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT

Mohd Fadli Hussin

Kolej Kediaman, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu Institute of Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable Development, Universiti Malaysia

Terengganu

Radiah Ali Kolej Kediaman, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu

Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu

Muhammad Farhan Ahmad Kolej Kediaman, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu

Faculty of Maritime Studies, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu

Rohaida Awang Kolej Kediaman, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu

Wan Nusrahizwah Wan Awang

Kolej Kediaman, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu

Nik Aziz Nik Ali

Kolej Kediaman, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu Faculty of Fisheries and Food Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu

Abstract

Besides the excellent academic achievement, mastery of good soft skills will enable the

students to equip them as skilled human capital for a better future. Residential colleges

play an important role in the process of building soft skills because the students spend

most of the time at residential colleges during their course of study. Residential

colleges are responsible for students‘ self and personal development, apart from

leadership skills to produce great human capital. The objective of this study is to

develop indicators to measure the role of residential colleges in human capital

development among student. This survey employed the Delphi technique. The panel

members comprised of a multi-disciplinary team consisting of representatives from

different related fields. Two rounds of questionnaires were administered to a panel of

local experts consisting of four groups which are top management, management,

professional group and support group. These experts provided input into generating the

criteria and indicators. At the end of the second round, the panel members reached a

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consensus on a set of indicators which included 11 criteria and 56 indicators related to

human capital development.

Keywords: Residential college, human capital, soft skill, personal development, Delphi

Method.

Introduction

University Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) formerly known as Universiti Pertanian

Malaysia‘s Centre for Fisheries and Marine Science, is one of the public institution of

higher learning in Malaysia. UMT providing facilities in terms of materials and

infrastructure to assist students at the university to conduct academic and co- curricular

activities. Variety of student development programs have been planned and

implemented at all levels either in residential colleges, faculties and universities with the

aim of producing excellent students, enhance the quality and competitiveness of

students and make UMT known worldwide.

The residential colleges refer to accommodation in campus throughout their studies in

institutions of higher learning in Malaysia (Mat Hassan, 2000). Study done by Mohd

Tahir et al. (2011) and Alwee et al. (2008), the function of residential college is to

provide services and accommodation facilities, maintaining the quality and nutritional

services provided as well as provide a conducive learning. Residential college

environment and surrounding can influence the quality of students‘ life. The comfortable

and conducive residential colleges could have an impact on life of a student. According

to Mahir Razali et al. (2014) quality of life is a concept that emphasizes the better living

conditions. In other studies by Yaacob & Yasak (2008), the initial accommodation

includes not only shelter but covers the entire place of learning, accommodation and

socialize.

The residential college is the residential area that created to ensure students can live

near the university. The university's residential college is a space or physical building

for students to live in. Its function is important as the residential area of the university

with a high intellectual level that uniform with academic-based activities. According to

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Nordin (1994), the residential college is a perfect place to shape the development of

students towards achieving educational goals.

Besides of providing accommodation for students, one of the main functions of

residential college in higher institution is to organize activities that are beneficial to the

community and society. The activities and methods carried are varies according to

institutions, depending on the capabilities and funds of institutions. From the program

and activities organized, the soft skill gain, can develop and produce competitive

student with high human capital.

According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD),

human capital is defined as the knowledge, skills, competencies and other attributes

embodied in individuals or groups of individuals acquired during their life and used to

produce goods, services or ideas in market circumstances. Human capital is an

intangible asset or quality which is not listed on a company‘s balance sheet. It can be

classifies as the economic value of a worker‘s experience and skills. This includes

assets like education, training, intelligence, skills, health and other things employers‘

value such as loyalty and punctuality. It is important because it is perceived to increase

productivity and profitability. Like other capital, human capital grows through being

invested in, and that investment is called education. Residential college is also part of

the learning centre to produce human capital.

As stated by Asmawati (2009) without certified human capital resources, a country

becomes weak as the lack of human factor that can initiate new initiatives in

socioeconomic activities. Based from resources of job vacancies and job placement in

Peninsular Malaysia in 2012, one of the factors of unemployment is the low quality of a

graduate. As studied by Rahmah et al. (2011), mentioned that the graduates do not

have the suitable skills and qualifications, which meet the needs of industry. Ten

primary weaknesses of Malaysian graduates are in the aspect of management,

problem-solving skill, communication skill (English language), leadership, creativity,

critical thinking, proactive, self-confidence and interaction skills (Ranjit, 2009; Central

Bank of Malaysia, 2002). Nowadays, a good academic results it is not a guarantee for

the Malaysian graduates to get a job (Noor Azina, 2011).

253

To ensure that our graduates has skilled, versatile and marketable as mention in 10th

Malaysian Plan, 2010, we have to handle this matter. Darus (2006), residential colleges

are part of a major component of the higher education institute providing

accommodation and food as well as conducting student development activities to

university students. This statement clearly demonstrates the importance of the

residential college that needs to have comfortable facilities and equipment for the

purpose of self-development in academic and self-personality development of the

residents.

Methodology

The Delphi Method

Delphi method is a qualitative method which combining the knowledge and opinions of

experts in order to reach an informed consensus on a complex problem (Linstone,

Turoff, 1975; Veal, 1992; Weber, 2003). Delphi method also can be defined as a

structured group communication process to solve a complex problem among

independent people of a community in the most effective way. (Linstone, Turoff, 2002).

With this intention, iterative rounds are used in which experts are provided with

questionnaires sequentially and interspersed with their feedback from previous rounds.

This mechanism enables the collection of values and experiences, which establish the

number of opinions to the consensus among experts (Powell, 2003; Briedenhann and

Butts 2006).

Delphi method is used to predict the long-term effects in a situation of uncertainty. For

example, it is used when the knowledge about certain problem or phenomenon is

incomplete. determining influence is exerted by external factors and the anticipated

events do not submit to precise analytical techniques (Adler and Ziglio, 1996;

Kowalewska and Głuszyński, 2009). Complex issues can be studied in the best way by

using Delphi method where the knowledge and opinion of experts does not implied by

quantitative data which would be impossible or too pricey to obtain (Edwards, 2003;

Grisham, 2009).

The Delphi method is based on questioning a specific group of experts at least twice.

First, respondents complete a questionnaire, in which they formulate predictions about

the problem or the situation in a given area in the long term. In the next round of

254

surveys, the respondents completed the same questionnaire, while presented with the

overall results of the first round of testing. This method allows the experts to change

their opinion on a specific issue, or to sustain it. This procedure requires the formation

of an interactive panel of experts who want to share their knowledge in order to develop

a common solution (Facione, 1990). Then, the responses are analyzed in terms of

quality and quantity, and the information is transmitted in subsequent rounds to experts,

it can be redefined and narrowed down in order to make it consistent (Bowles, 1999).

The final step of the procedure is the analysis of the gathered material through the use

of quantitative and/or qualitative methods (Skulmoski et al., 2007).

Out of 45 experts invited, only 25 of them agreed to become panel members of the

Delphi process. In the second round the number of participants decreased to 15

experts. These experts comprised with top management group, management and

professional group and support group. The experts‘ characteristics had to meet all five

of the following criteria to be considered for inclusion in the Delphi panel, familiar to the

study area; practical experience in field study; enough time and eager to participate;

and finally, able to collaborate well.

First Round: The first round was an open-ended question for identifying the criteria and

indicators in the iterative process in a general questionnaire, which asked the panel

members the issues related to the question under consideration. Loo (2002) and

Skulmoski et al., (2007) agreed that the first round should use open-ended questions to

gather as much information in the survey stage as possible. Each expert identified the

C & Is and returned the questionnaire to the researcher through a meeting or by e-

mail. The researcher who received the response of the first round, analyzed,

summarized, collated and tabulated the responses into the second questionnaire. A

second questionnaire incorporating the feedback report was developed and distributed

to the first round respondents.

Second Round: In this step, the designed questionnaire was distributed among panel

members. The questionnaire now included all the criteria with related indicators

obtained from the panel member‘s first round responses. The ten experts were asked

to indicate the degree to which they agreed with to a particular criteria and its indicators

on a scale that ranges from 1 (highly irrelevant) to 5 (highly relevant). The goal of the

255

second round and any other subsequent rounds using the questionnaire is to achieve

consensus or stability of the panel member response (Chu & Hwang, 2007). Once

consensus or stability is reached, the Delphi procedure is completed (Murry &

Hammors, 1995).The Delphi method ends if one of the following situation occurs (Chu

&Hwang, 2007), if all of questionnaire items are either accepted or rejected, the rating

mean is higher than 3.5.

The Delphi study data was analyzed using SPSS (16.0 version) software. Quantitative

analysis included the calculation of mean scores, standard deviation and p-value. The

Hotelling T-test is used for testing consensus among panel members and also the

Mann-Whitney test for testing similarities or differences the opinion.

Results

There are about 12 criteria and 56 indicators gained. Criteria and indicators were

selected using the following cut-off point; based on a rating scale anchored by a score

of 1 (highly irrelevent) to 5 (highly relevant), it was decided that scores of 3.5 or higher

will be selected (Chris & Sirakaya, 2006). Criteria and indicator mean ranks of 3.5 and

above was also adopted by Egan (1993) in his Delphi study.

Hotelling‘s T-square test was utilized to determine that there is consensus among the

panel members through identification of C & Is. Results demonstrated a significant level

of p-value= 0.05 was reached, and the p-value of all criteria and all related indicators to

every criterion, exceeded 0.05. The results showed that a high level of consensus exist

among all panel members. The Hotelling‘s T-square test results showed no significant

difference among all of panel member‘s opinions to rating and evaluating all C & Is.

Thus, it was felt that continuing the research for future rounds would not produce any

extra convergence of opinion. In fact, in round two, the panel members had reached a

consensus on all of criteria and indicators.

Mann-Whitney U Test is used to test the results as shown in Table 1 to Table 12. The

result shows that the p-value for all of criteria and indicators were not significantly

different between two groups of experts (Academic and Non- Academic) when

compared in rating and evaluating the C & Is. In other words, it was found similarities

between all groups in approving C & Is.

256

Table 1: Comparison of Service Group Experts Rating on Indicators for criterion 1:

Ethics, moral and spiritual, using Mann-Whitney Test

No Indicators Mean SD P-Value

1. RC play an important role in organizing

ethics, moral and spiritual program for

students

4.64 0.569 0.285

2. RC responsible in developing students

ethics and common sense

4.48

0,586

0.438

3. RC responsible in controlling students

moral dilemmas

4.20

0.707

0.899

4. RC responsible in development of

moral professionalism among student

4.32 0.690 0.134

5. RC responsible in developing good

discipline for students

4.52

0.586

0.285

Note: Hotelling‘s T-square test p-value=0.699, shows high consensus among all

members

Table 2: Comparison of Service Group Experts Rating on Indicators for criterion 2:

Entrepreneurship, using Mann-Whitney Test

.

Note: Hotelling‘s T-square test p-value=0.332, shows high consensus among all members

No. Indicators Mean SD P-Value

1. RC play an important role in organizing the

4.20 0.957

0.374

2.

entrepreneur program for students

RC responsible in giving opportunities for students to start their business in hostel.

4.12

0.927

0.899

3. RC responsible in providing business grant for students

3.64 1.036

0.527

4. RC responsible in providing facilities/space/ kiosk for student to run their business

4.04 0.790

0.218

5.

RC responsible in developing entrepreneurship values among students

4.28 0.678

0.095

257

No.

Indicators Mean SD P-Value

1 RC play an important role in organizing the volunteer program for students

4.48 0.586 0.361

2 RC responsible in recruiting volunteers among students

4.44 0.712 0.361

3 RC responsible in training programs for volunteer

4.40 0.577 0.414

4 RC responsible in rewarding volunteers (high merit/ food coupon) for students

4.48 0.714 0.355

5 RC responsible for encouraging student by providing funds for volunteer activities

4.28 0.737 0.902

Table 3: Comparison of Service Group Experts Rating on Indicators for criterion 3: Volunteerism, using Mann-Whitney Test

Note: Hotelling‘s T-square test p-value=0.332, shows high consensus among all members

Table 4: Comparison of Service Group Experts Rating on Indicators for criterion 4:

Skills, using Mann-Whitney Test

Note: Hotelling‘s T-square test p-value=0.212, shows high consensus among all members

No. Indicators Mean SD P-

Value

1 RC play an important role in developing

language skills among students

4.08 0.812 0.902

2 RC responsible in developing critical

thinking

skills among students

4.24

0.723

0.613

3 RC responsible in developing management

skills among students

4.28

0.614

0.414

4 RC responsible in developing soft skills

among

students

4.32 0.900 0.438

5 RC responsible in developing additional

skills

among students (barbering, baking and

makeup skills etc.)

4.24 0. 779 0.613

258

Table 5: Comparison of Service Group Experts Rating on Indicators for criterion 5: Sport and Recreation, using Mann-Whitney Test

No. Indicators Mean SD P-

Value

1 RC play an important role in organizing

sport and recreation program for students

4.12 1.054 0.312

2 RC responsible in providing sport and

recreation facilities (outdoor gym and ping

pong table) for students

4.20 0.707 0.700

3 RC responsible in providing funds for sport and

recreation activities for students

4.08 0.954 0.709

4 RC responsible in organizing sport tournament

among universities

3.92 0.997 1.000

5 RC responsible in rewarding and recognizing

athletes representing the universities

4.00 0.957 1.000

Note: Hotelling‘s T-square test p-value=0.361, shows high consensus among all members

259

Table 6: Comparison of Service Group Experts Rating on Indicators for criterion 6: Academic, using Mann-Whitney Test

No. Indicators Mean SD P-Value

1 RC play an important role in organizing program (workshop etc) academic

4.00 1.000 0.890

2 RC responsible in providing conducive environment for student to study

4.52

0.65

0.488

3 RC responsible in acknowledge and recognize best student by prioritize in hostel application

4.28

0.936

0.369

4 RC responsible in providing facilities for discussion and group study

4.40

0.816

0.485

5 RC responsible in providing and maintaining free internet connection for students

4.44

0.768

0.372

Note: Hotelling‘s T-square test p-value=0.357, shows high consensus among all members

Table 7: Comparison of Service Group Experts Rating on Indicators for criterion 7: Leadership, using Mann-Whitney Test

Note: Hotelling‘s T-square test p-value=0.274, shows high consensus among all members

No. Indicators Mean SD P-Value

1 RC play important role in organizing leadership program/seminar/workshop

4.56 0.583

0.285

2 RC responsible in establishment of student council

4.80 0.408

0.617

3 RC responsible in providing funds for student council to organize their own program for students

4.44 0.651

0.361

4 RC responsible in rewarding student leader as appreciation.

4.32 0.627

0.438

5 RC responsible in developing and coaching leadership talent among potential student.

4.56 0.651

0.209

260

Table 8: Comparison of Service Group Experts Rating on Indicators for criterion 8: Research and Innovation, using Mann-Whitney Test

No. Indicators Mean SD P-Value

1 RC play important role in organizing

research and innovation program/

seminar/workshop.

3.84 1.281 0.810

2 RC responsible in providing fund for

student research and innovation

3.72 1.308 0.628

3 RC responsible in student exposure for

conferences held by other institution

3.72 1.208 0.545

4 RC responsible in rewarding high impact

innovation design by student.

3.64 1.254 0.628

5 RC responsible in encourage student to

publish on their research/study.

3.76 1.234 0.628

Note: Hotelling‘s T-square test p-value=0.762, shows high consensus among all members

Table 9: Comparison of Service Group Experts Rating on Indicators for criterion

9: Culture and tradition, using Mann-Whitney Test

No. Indicators Mean SD P-Value

1

RC play important role in organizing

cultural event.

4.40

0.707

0.524

2 RC responsible in cultural exposure for

multi-races and religion among student

4.44 0.821 0.525

3 RC responsible in developing new talent

(singing, dancing etc).

4.24

0.831

0.807

4 RC responsible in rewarding student with

high achievement and involvement on

cultural activities.

4.24

0.926

0.319

5 RC responsible on providing fund for the

development of cultural values among

student.

4.08

0.862

0.903

Note: Hotelling‘s T-square test p-value=0.434, shows high consensus among all

members

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Table 10: Comparison of Service Group Experts Rating on Indicators for

criterion 10: Patriotism, using Mann-Whitney Test

No. Indicators Mean SD P-Value

1 RC play important role in organizing patriotic

events.

4.44 0.768 0.524

2 RC responsible in organizing variety of

patriotism education activities.

4.48 0.714 0.441

3 RC responsible in creating the atmosphere to

make the students influenced by patriotism

4.56 0.712 0.551

Note: Hotelling‘s T-square test p-value=0.659, shows high consensus among all

members

Table 11: Comparison of Service Group Experts Rating on Indicators for

criterion 11: Internationalization, using Mann-Whitney Test

No. Indicators Mean SD P-Value

1 RC play important role in organizing

international event.

4.12 0.971 0.806

2 RC responsible in creating mobility program

with other RC from different country.

3.88 0.927 0.902

3 RC responsible by rewarding student with

high achievement in international event.

3.92 0.997 1.000

4 RC responsible in improving English

proficiency among student.

4.16 0.688 0.709

5 RC responsible in collaboration with

international institution by MOU/LOI

4.04 0.841 0.903

Note: Hotelling‘s T-square test p-value=0.348, shows high consensus among all

members

262

Table 12: Comparison of Service Group Experts Rating on Indicators for

criterion 12: Sociology, using Mann-Whitney Test

No. Indicators Mean SD P-Value

1 RC play important role in organizing

activities of student with local community

involvement

4.52 0.653 0.355

2 RC responsible in encouraging student in

knowledge transfer to community

4.36 0.569 0.514

3 RC responsible in helping student to have

a good relationship with local community

4.44 0.583 0.221

Note: Hotelling‘s T-square test p-value=0.475, shows high consensus among all

members

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Delphi process is important and valuable for achieving a

consensus about issues non existed previously. This research can assist and can

be as a guidance for the management of residential college for human capital

development among student in higher institute. This is because all these criteria

and indicators represent the consensus of multi-specialty expert panel which are

less influenced by particular biases. Thus, Delphi method has been proven to be

an effective and useful method in analyzing complex system.

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265

UNIVERSITY NON-RESIDENT STUDENT VOLUNTEERISM IN THE NEW NORMAL PRACTICE

M.H. Hanafi N.H. Radzi

M.R. Ibrahim M.S. Mustapa

N.A. Hassan and I.S. Sewito Non-residential Student Office, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia.

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic, which has spread rapidly and widely throughout the

world since late 2019, has had far-reaching consequences for food resources to

those in need. The emerging crisis has had an impact on food systems and

posed a threat to people's access to food. In relation of the detrimental effect of

the Covid 19 pandemic on non-residential students and the community, the non-

residential student (PTA) office and Student Representative Council of PTA

(MKP PTA students‘) must play a crucial role in assisting PTA students‘ and the

underprivileged community in obtaining food supplies during the pandemic. The

purpose is to assist PTA students‘ and the underprivileged community by

organizing charitable events and campaigns, as well as food aid and sincere

donations to those in need. In addition, MKP PTA students were participated in

all organized programs to nurture and increase the spirit of volunteerism among

the students where the worth of this noble endeavour, which has the potential to

improve human growth and social skills. Non-residential students and the poor

community will benefit from the PTA office programmes, which will lighten their

burden. All the programs were successfully carried out, and all donations were

fully channelled into the programs, allowing the PTA office to assist more non-

residential students and the underprivileged community. All parties' cooperation

is greatly appreciated.

Keywords: Covid-19, Foodbank, Food insecurity, Food Resources, Food

Supplies, Student Volunteerism, University Student Wellbeing.

266

Introduction

The novel coronavirus SARS-nCoV-2 is to blame for the rapid spread of COVID-

19 disease across six continents, prompting many governments to declare a

state of emergency. The World Health Organization (WHO) proclaimed the fast-

spreading disease a pandemic on March 11, 2020, and urged governments to

prepare for and respond in accordance with the Global Strategic Preparedness

and Response Plan [1]. The highly infectious ongoing pandemic has put a strain

on healthcare systems around the world. As of 31 March 2021, it had infected

129 million people and killed 2.83 million; Malaysia had recorded 345,500

infections and 1272 deaths since the first case was reported on January 24,

2020 [2].Since the pandemic's revelation in March 2020, Malaysia has had three

significant waves of COVID-19 breakouts. The first wave, which lasted from 25

January to 16 February 2020, prevented COVID-19 from being officially

classified as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO); the second

wave lasted from February 27 to June 30, 2020; and the third wave has been

running since 8 September 2020 [2].

Over 1 billion students in 129 countries have been affected by the pandemic,

according to the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization

(UNESCO)[3]. While many people are struggling financially during the

pandemic, university students are particularly hard hit by Covid-19. During the

Covid-19 pandemic, many university students will be ineligible for financial aid.

In comparison to the general population, university students are increasingly

recognized as a vulnerable population, suffering from higher levels of anxiety,

depression, substance abuse, and disordered eating. As a result, when the

nature of their educational experience changes dramatically, as it did during the

COVID-19 pandemic, the burden on the mental health of this vulnerable

population is exacerbated [4].

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated food insecurity, resulting in negative

public health implications around the world. Food insecurity refers to a person or

family's inability to consistently obtain enough food due to a lack of financial or

other resources [5]. According to the World Food Program (WFP),

approximately 272 million people ended up in hunger and malnutrition in 2020,

267

with 97 million people suffering from chronic food insecurity as a result of the

COVID-19 pandemics [6]. Food insecurity has emerged as a critical public health

issue affecting university students [7]. Many Covid- 19 related economic relief

programs are also ineligible for university students, making it even more difficult

to cope during the pandemic. Due to the lack of family income, university

students will face unexpected expenses and a possible loss of allowance during

this time. Students from privileged backgrounds, who are well supported by their

parents, adjust to the pandemic situation considerably differently than students

from low-income households, who are frequently left behind. [8].

Volunteering is one of the areas where students in Malaysia are actively

focusing on enhancing their skills. Volunteerism, in a nutshell, is the act of giving

or the willingness to do something for the good of others [9]. Volunteerism is

indeed one of the qualities that must exist and be fostered in the younger

generation and youth, since they're the future determinants of our country [10].

In Malaysia's educational system, exposing students to volunteerism has

become a priority led to the Volunteers Council of University Malaysia

(MASKUM) establishment by the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE).

Students' participation in this event is considered a vital step toward developing

responsible, compassionate, and capable students who can contribute to the

nation's and country's growth. Higher education institutions provide an

environment conducive to learning and new ideas, which can serve as a

foundation for activist conduct [11]. University students who participate in

volunteer activities have a far more disciplined lifestyle, higher self-confidence,

and a better capacity to control their life. As a result, students can achieve both

academically and in their personal development [12]. PTA office and MKP PTA

students always aspire to get actively and organize community programmes to

foster the spirit of volunteerism among students especially UTHM non-

residential students, as recommended by MOHE to lighten the burden carries by

in-need students and the community during this pandemic situation.

Volunteerism activities during pandemic were too challenging where the team

needs to take extra precaution when doing the charity work. Hence, the

Standard of Procedure (SOP) during Covid-19 pandemic need to be followed

268

which are keep one metre safe distance, wash hands frequently with water, soap

or hand sanitizer and wear mask when visiting public places.

Method and Program

In the pandemic situation, the PTA office and MKP PTA students‘ were

committed to helping those who are in need especially non-residential students

and underprivileged communities around UTHM. Ziarah Mahabbah Program,

Kempen Amal Kongsi Rezeki, Kempen Seorang Sekampit Beras (KSSB) and

PTA Amal Gerobok Kongsi Rezeki Program are some of the programmes that

have been carried out to help the non- residential student and underprivileged

community and in addition to encourage volunteerism among university

students.

‘Ziarah Mahabbah’ Program

Ziarah Mahabbah Program was organized on 16th December 2020, by the

UTHM PTA office and the Student Leadership Council, Non-residential students

(MKP PTA students‘). The goal is to foster a stronger bond between PTA‘s office

personnel which are PTA‘s principal, deputy principal, fellows, fellow assistants,

MKP PTA students with the non-residential students and the underprivileged

community by visiting and greeting them. With this program, PTA office also can

collect students‘ feedback for improvement and informed them the PTA's

Facebook and Instagram platforms to receive the most up-to-date information on

PTA UTHM. The program consists of many phases that will be completed

regularly. The initiative is particularly crucial since it allows for direct aid to be

delivered to non-residential students and underprivileged communities by

making visits to their houses. The student's wellbeing also can be monitored

throughout this program. Fig 2.1 shows the visit to the underprivileged

community houses.

269

Fig 2.1 Visit the underprivileged community

In this programme, dry foods and lunch packs were prepared by the PTA office

and MKP PTA students. PTA fellows‘ and MKP PTA students‘ volunteers their

time to assist with food preparation and stocking, as well as arranging all foods

equitably. They also participated in the visit, distributing meals to students and

dry foods to the underprivileged community. With the volunteer work done by the

MKP PTA students‘, hopefully can groom these students to become holistic

students. They were not only excellent in the academic field but also have a

better chance of emerging with self- awareness, confidence, and a sense of

social responsibility. Fig 2.2 shows the visit to the non-residential student house.

Fig 2.2 Visit the non-residential student

270

‗Kempen Amal Kongsi Rezeki‘

On 22nd December 2020, Yayasan Amal Johor organized the ‗Kempen Amal

Kongsi Rezeki‘ in partnership with PTA Office, Kedai Ain Evergreen, Mech Club,

Staff Club of Faculty of Electrical and Electronics Engineering (KSFKEE) and

KOPEMAS. ‗Kempen Amal Kongsi Rezeki‘ aims to provide donations in the form

of food supply needs to the PTA students‘ and underprivileged communities in

the Parit Raja area. Fig 2.3 shows the food wardrobe at Kedai Ain Evergreen.

Fig 2.3 Food Wardrobe at Kedai Ain Evergreen

This initiative is run in three ways, allowing anyone who wishes to help to do so

conveniently by purchasing food or making monetary contributions to Yayasan

Amal Malaysia's account. Those in need can pick up food aid at the designated

location, and they should write their names as a record. MKP PTA students‘ help

the team by creating attractive posters and advertising the programme on social

media so that it can be widely spread to the public. This is done in an attempt to

encourage and increase public participation in the programme. Fig 2.4 shows

the poster of the ‗Kempen Amal Kongsi Rezeki‘.

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Fig 2.4 Poster of ‗Kempen Amal Kongsi Rezeki‘

‗Kempen Seorang Sekampit Beras‘

During Ramadhan 2021, the PTA office, Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia (ABIM) Batu

Pahat, Kesatuan Pelajar Islam Johor (KPIJ) Batu Pahat, KSFKEE, and the Welfare

Body of the Department of Electrical Power Engineering (BAKEB) organized the

‗Kempen Seorang Sekampit Beras‘ (KSSB). Fig 2.5 shows the KSSB program

conducted for the underprivileged community.

Fig 2.5 KSSB campaign conducted for underprivilege community

Donations in the form of goods and cash are made to families in need in the Parit Raja,

Ayer Hitam and Batu Pahat areas. The program aims to collect 100 donation packs

worth a total of RM 10,000. Phase 1 started on 17th April 2021 with a donation of RM

2,500 for 25 families. Then, continue with phase 2 which began on 24th April 2021, with

RM 5,000 contribution and was handed over to 50 families. Finally, phase 3 was held

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on 1st May 2021, with donations of RM 3,400 for 34 families. The program was

successfully run with total donations of RM 10,900 for 109 families.

MKP PTA students manages the delivery and arrangement of food for this programme

on a volunteer basis. Participation in volunteer activities by the MKP PTA students‘ will

promote compassion in their heart. Students will gain a lot of benefits from this

campaign such as better time management, opportunities to meet poor people,

satisfaction from having helped others and improved mental well-being. In addition,

MKP PTA students also involved in taking photos and making videos to be shared on

social media. All these volunteer activities can be found on YouTube PTA UTHM

channel via https://bit.ly/37dXP4N

‗PTA Amal Gerobok Kongsi Rezeki‘ Program

The PTA office has established the ‗PTA Amal Gerobok Kongsi Rezeki' program with

the help of Yayasan Amal Johor. It is a food aid program for non-residential students.

Students can get their dry foods at the designated location, which is at Kampus Bandar,

Parit Raja. The well-being of students must always be prioritized

for them to be in good health. Students no longer have to worry about running out of

food with this program. Fig 2.6 shows the food storage at Kampus Bandar, Parit Raja for

the program.

Fig 2.6 The food storage for the program Kampus Bandar, Parit Raja

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MKP PTA students were in charge of food storage and ensuring that foods are always

accessible for this programme. In addition, the MKP PTA students created a poster and

promoted it on social media to ensure that all students are aware that they can obtain

dry food supplies at Kampus Bandar, Parit Raja. Fig 2.7 shows the poster of ‗PTA Amal

Gerobok Kongsi Rezeki‘.

Fig 2.7 Poster of ‗PTA Amal Gerobok Kongsi Rezeki‘

Conclusion

All the programs were successfully carried out, and all donations were fully channelled

into the programs, allowing the PTA office to assist more non-residential students and

the underprivileged community. Participating in volunteer service by the MKP PTA

students in these programs can help to implant excellent values in university students‘

hearts. Volunteer work is done without anticipating a monetary reward, so these noble

values can be maintained. Furthermore, to become holistic students, students must

wisely organise strategies for academic excellence as well as soft skills. In this era,

employers and organisations have used this balance to determine staff selections.

Students who participate in social service activities receive a "bonus" that allows them

to enter the real world of employment and increase their chances of landing a job.

Strong humanitarian values, a good spirit of cooperation, a tolerant attitude, and a high

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readiness to help are viewed as advantages for students who are inclined and engaged

in various voluntary activities. Hopefully that this volunteerism program can be

implemented to others university students‘ as well in order to develop student‘s good

life skills and become well-rounded individual.

Acknowledgement

The highest appreciation is given to the Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Pejabat

Pelajar Tanpa Asrama (PTA office), Student Representative Council of PTA (MKP PTA

students‘), Mech Club, FKEE Staff Club, Yayasan Amal Johor, ABIM Batu Pahat and

KPIJ Batu pahat for contributing to help non-residential student and underprivileged

community.

References

World Health Organization, ―2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019‑nCoV): Strategic

Preparedness and Response Plan,‖ Who, no. February, p. 28, 2020.

S. B. Aw, B. T. Teh, G. H. T. Ling, and M. H. Ahmad, ―The covid-19 pandemic situation in

malaysia: Lessons learned from the perspective of population density,‖ Int. J.

Environ. Res. Public Health, 2021.

United Nationsl Scientific and Cultural Organization, ―Education: From

disruptionto recovery,‖ UNESCO, 2021.

https://en.unesco.org/covid19/educationresponse.

M. H. E. M. Browning et al., ―Psychological impacts from COVID-19 among university

students: Risk factors across seven states in the United States,‖ PLoS One,

2021.

P. Udmale, I. Pal, and S. Szabo, ―Global food security in the context of COVID- 19: A

scenario-based exploratory analysis,‖ Prog. Disaster Sci., 2020.

World Food Program, ―WFP Global Update on COVID-19: November 2020,‖

WFP, no. November 2020, 2020.

A. Borkowski et al., ―COVID-19: Missing More Than a Classroom The impact of school

closures on children‘s nutrition,‖ UNICEF Off. Res. – Innocenti, 2021, [Online].

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Available: https://www.unicef-irc.org/publications/1176- covid-19-missing-more-

than-a-classroom-the-impact-of-school-closures-on- childrens-nutrition.html.

A. Schleicher, ―The impact of COVID-19 on education: Insights from

education at a glance 2020,‖ OECD J. Econ. Stud., 2020.

J. Ward, Lorrae Parr, ―Authority, Volunteerism, and Sustainability: Creating and

Sustaining an Online Community through Teacher Leadership. Leadership and

Policy in Schools,‖ 2006.

J. W. Peachey, J. Bruening, A. Lyras, A. Cohen, and G. B. Cunningham, ―Examining

social capital development among volunteers of a multinational sport-for-

development event,‖ J. Sport Manag., 2015.

A. Faranadia, M. Y. Kamal, and R. Normala, ―Understanding and Assessing the

Motivation Factors of University Students ‟ Involvement in Volunteerism,‖ Int. J.

Res. Innov. Soc. Sci., 2018.

L. C. Phillips and M. H. Phillips, ―Volunteer Motivation and Reward Preference : An

Empirical Study of Volunteerism in a Large, Not-for-profit Organization,‖ SAM

Adv. Manag. J., 2010.

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LEARN FROM EXPERIENCE: STUDENTS’ WELL-BEING AND MANAGEMENT TEAM SUPPORT DURING PANDEMIC COVID-19 AT INAPAN SISWA TM AND

GRANTT (TAG)

Mohamad Hapisol Othman

Universiti Utara Malaysia hapisol@uum.edu.my

Noor Hafiza Zakariya

Universiti Utara Malaysia noorhafiza@uum.edu.my

Mazri Yaakob

Universiti Utara Malaysia mazri@uum.edu.my

Ikhwan Zulkefli

Universiti Utara Malaysia ikhwan_zulkefli@sefb.uum.edu.my

Abstract

To ensure students‘ psychological well-being and welfare at campuses managed

effectively by the management team, this study aims to analyze students‘ experience

on services quality provided while staying at a residential college of Inasis TaG, UUM.

Further, the objectives of this study are to identify any issues and challenges faced by

the students, then propose a strategic improvement for better assimilation and

accommodation of students in the future by having team management support

throughout the process. This study is a quantitative method with cross-sectional design.

The respondents consist of students at Inapan Siswa (Inasis) TM and Grantt (TaG)

during the academic session from March 2021 to July 2021. By using a convenience

sampling, 91 responses were successfully obtained for data analysis. Data were

collected via online google form survey. Respondents were asked about their

experience, satisfaction on services provided, and any issues or challenges during the

staying period at Inasis TaG. All the feedback was analyzed and evaluated for future

improvement by the management team and Student Leadership Development

Committee (JKPS) of Inasis TaG.

Keywords: Students‘ Satisfaction, Management Team Support, Pandemic COVID-19

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Introduction

The pandemic of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has changed economic,

social, healthcare and transportation systems worldwide. Moreover, a country's

education system has also received adverse effects from the spread of this pandemic. In

Malaysia, Movement Control Order (MCO) was first rolled out and introduced on 18

March 2020. Only essential services were allowed to operate, and all non-essential

sectors and businesses had to close. Therefore, the Malaysian education system,

especially the higher education institutions (HEIs), needs to change their teaching and

learning methods to a complete online learning method, comprising synchronous or

asynchronous methods. Additionally, students were allowed to return to their campuses

in stages from March 1, 2021.

The Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) released an updated announcement on

students returning to higher education institutions in Malaysia on 31 January 2021.

There are six (6) essential student categories could return to campus such as students

pursuing a course at certificate, diploma, bachelor degree or postgraduate level whose

classes involve practical, laboratory, clinical, studio, workshop or special equipment,

students who have no access to online learning, or do not have a conducive

environment to participate in online learning, students of foundation (or equivalent) and

diploma programmes who are already on campus can continue hybrid learning, all

international students (new and those already on campus) except those from the United

Kingdom (UK), students with special needs (OKU), and students sitting for the Malaysia

University English Test (MUET), international exams or exams conducted by

professional bodies (StudyMalaysia.com, 2021). However, they must undergo a swab

test and 14-days quarantine at a quarantine centre determined by their respective

institution to ensure that they did not have any COVID-19 symptoms before they are

allowed to go into campus.

In the same vein, MCO 3.0 started from May 12 until June 7 and extended to June 28.

Initially it was scheduled to end on 28 June but will be further extended as long as the

number of cases remains high as announced by the Prime Minister (Ong, 2021). Thus,

no face-to-face teaching and learning (PdP) activities were allowed. Therefore,

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students must remain in their campus to continue hybrid learning and online PdP.

Hence, the students have to complete their academic semester at campus until the

academic semester ends in July 2021.

As one of the public universities in Malaysia, Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) also

received and allowed their students to return to campus. This returning process provides

several challenges to the residential management team in handling and managing

physical facilities, accommodation services, psychological and emotional support

during this pandemic. Thus, each party of the residential team played their crucial roles

in ensuring students‘ psychological well-being and welfare could be managed

effectively and systematically during this pandemic COVID-19 and MCO 3.0.

Generally, Inapan Siswa (Inasis) TM and Grantt (TaG) as one of the residential colleges

of UUM plays its major role in assisting and managing student‘s accommodation during

this returning process. About 385 students were accommodated at Inasis TaG during

Mac 2021 until July 2021 provided several issues and challenges.

With all those challenges and problems, the objective of this study is to identify and

evaluate student‘s experience and satisfaction while staying at Inasis TaG during

pandemic COVID-19. Based on the result, several improvements would be beneficial

for all parties in UUM especially for residential college and student accommodation

centres in handling student‘s problems and challenges during pandemic COVID-19 in

the future.

Office Management Team

Prior study tends to investigate the influence of COVID-19 pandemic on students‘

perception of online learning at university such as Almomani et al., (2021) and

perceived support from different sources on students‘ well-being such as by Tomás,

Gutiérrez, Pastor, and Sancho (2020). Due to this pandemic COVID-19, the importance

of social support becomes a major concern among university policies, counsellors, and

student affairs departments, as they need to ensure their students at Inasis stay health

and safe while staying at Inasis. In addition, the element of social support plays a

crucial role in achieving greater academic and psychological adjustment (Lashari, Kaur,

& Awang-Hashim, 2018).

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Generally, to support and manage student‘s well-being and welfare at Inasis, there is an

official team consists of ten administrative staff, a principal, a deputy principal, and four

assistant principals or fellow. All sixteen staff members work according to the time such

as from eight am to five pm for administrative staff while the deputy principal and

assistant principal work from five pm to eight am after normal working hours. The

principal works twenty-four hours a day for seven days a week.

There are several roles and responsibilities played by the management team of Inasis

during the staying phase in March 2021 until July 2021. The list of roles and

responsibilities as stated below:

Food

Inasis staff will check the cleanliness of the cafe premises every week. If there is non-

compliance, then verbal reprimands and warnings will be given to the operators of the

cafe. The Inasis staff will also focus on a balanced menu and good nutrition meal.

Discussions with the cafe operators were made to ensure the best menu for the

students.

Accommodation

Inasis staff will pay attention to this in order to ensure a comfortable student

accommodation:

ensure that the students' living environment is well maintained so that it is

always clean and conducive

monitor building cleanliness reports

monitor the management of all facilities at INASIS so that they are in good

condition and ready to use by students

ensure the maintenance and repair of Inasis facilities are carried out

monitor the preparation of Inasis's damage repair reports to be submitted to the

SAC

manage applications for allocations for the repair of Inasis facilities

ensure traffic conditions and parking layouts are in good condition

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Emotions

Manage matters related to student health (mental and physical) if they need

treatment at PKU or hospital

Give permission if students want to choose a roommate to reduce their stress.

The Student Leadership Development Committee (JKPS)

The Student Leadership Development Committee (JKPS) is a collective of students

who are interested in being responsible to take care of the students in the allocated

Inasis as well as developing the students by organizing programs which covers in many

aspects namely, academic, sports, welfare, International community affairs, spirituality

and also information or media and students welfare. They will organize programs from

small to big scale according to their own skills and mainly focus on the college‘s

students. There are also student residents, known as ‗residential assistance‘ (RA)

which focus on taking care of other students but they also have their obligations in

organizing programs under ‗Learning Hub‘ which focus more on graduate

employability‘s knowledge and skills among students at Inasis.

Along the period of student‘s placement on campus from March 2021 to July 2021, their

roles and responsibilities change as they are more focused on handling students‘

welfare and well-being such as distributing food banks, handling the isolation process

and ensuring student‘s welfare is at the best level during the accommodation phase at

Inasis. Despite that, their main roles and responsibilities in running virtual programs and

activities are still implemented successfully.

Issues and Challenges occurred during Pandemic COVID-19

Based on a prior study, such as by Stukalo and Simakhova (2020) that analyzed

COVID-19 impact on Ukrainian higher education suggested that university's

management should provide constant monitoring of the satisfaction of students during

COVID-19. With this new norms of academic environment, student‘s well-being can be

affected as they might receive a negative impact on learning which is related to

unstable signal, as well as a positive impact, which is improving skills related to using

technology, social communication and health behavior (Ulfa & Mikdar, 2020).

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As mentioned earlier, during the returning process to UUM, students have to stay at

Inasis TaG for almost 5 months. With 385 students staying at Inasis, there are several

issues and challenges faced by the management team as well as SLDC.

For SDLC, as experienced by its committee itself, health and safety issues among their

team became a major concern during this pandemic outbreak. Members of SDLC have

to bring students to the Health Centre according to a designated schedule. This

situation often happens when there are some students who need health screening and

treatment. This situation is considered dangerous as the committee did not know the

level of the student's health condition and it will expose them to this risky situation.

Moreover, most of them did not receive even a first dose vaccination during that phase.

Therefore, the issues of safety and health among the committee should be taken into

consideration during the pandemic phase in the future. Apart from that, in minimizing

and reducing the risk of COVID-19 spreading, they always follow the standard operating

procedures (SOP) when helping and managing their friends and other students.

On the other hand, the issue of limited access to storage space during ‗Ops Pulang‘ also

created major challenges and problems among students and the management team.

When the academic session ended in early July 2021, students had to bring back their

goods and stuff to their home because the storage room is fully utilized. Therefore, they

cannot keep their belongings such as clothes, studying stationeries, printers, and

electrical appliances at Inasis because the storage room is full with previous student‘s

belongings. This situation is getting worse when their parents cannot fetch them at

Inasis to collect all those items and goods due to standard operating procedures (SOP)

instructed. Therefore, the management team and SLDC members try to assist students

by sharing the relevant information and procedures from time to time.

In addition, library facilities and their usage were limited during this pandemic.

Malaysian libraries, both public and private, were quick to react to support the

Government‘s effort to curb the COVID-19 infection. Perpustakaan Negara Malaysia

(PNM) or the National Library of Malaysia announced their full closure and this included

all their community and village libraries. As per government rules and regulations, the

university rather be following than objecting. In ensuring and maintaining safety and

health among the students, this situation is very beneficial for students but in other

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perspectives, students tend to feel bored and uncomfortable to study in their room for a

long period. It is reminded that one of the main reasons they return to campus is to get

a more comfortable study environment. Hence, indirectly may affect their academic

commitment and focus in studying.

The number of staff on duty at Inasis was limited and they were given limited hours of

working during this pandemic. In some circumstances, it would delay the process of job

accomplishment that requires urgent completion and attention by the management

team and SLDC. However, this situation would be beneficial in ensuring the safety and

health among the staff and students by reducing the risk of spreading the virus among

staff and students. Generally, UUM allows no more than 20% of academic and non -

academic staff on campus; staff rotation is for a maximum of 4 hours only. For instance,

lecturers are allowed to 100% work from home except work processes that cannot be

performed remotely. Staff are not allowed to go to the office except for essential

services and they must have employee pass and official documents. All meetings must

be conducted online through a secure channel. All face-to-face meetings and activities

are not allowed, the only medium was only virtual meetings such as webex meetings,

zoom and google meet.

Last but not least, all face-to-face or group student activities including clubs,

associations and co-curricular activities are not allowed during pandemic COVID-19. If

students want to do sports and recreational activities, they must comply with current

SOP such as must be done individually in open areas, without physical contact, and keep

social-distancing all the time. Therefore, student programs or activities must be carried

out online or on a digital platform which provides a significant impact to SLDC and the

management team. This is because the virtual program requires students to give extra

effort and commitment to watch the live program using their own internet data or Wi-Fi.

Luckily, students at Inasis can support and participate in this live and virtual program but

the rest may neglect to join due to various personal factors such as financial issues,

mobile phones and laptop constraints as well as poor internet networking. Therefore,

some activities may receive poor responses and participation from the students.

Methodology

This study uses a quantitative method in getting responses from students at Inasis

TaG. The data collection process took about two weeks using the google form link.

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They have been informed of the purpose of this survey before answering the survey.

Potential respondents of this study consist of students at Inasis TaG who stayed at

Inasis during the returning phase in March 2021 until July 2021. Using convenience

sampling, the responses were collected and analyzed using simple analysis as

discussed in the next section.

Results and Findings

This survey mainly identifies and evaluates student‘s satisfaction on service provided by

Inasis management team and SLDC comprising student‘s well-being and welfare,

health assistance, emotional and moral support, food and cafeteria service during

pandemic COVID-19 at Inasis TaG. Within one week, the survey response rates were

very low. Only 40 responses were collected during the first week. By extending the data

collection period, it showed that there was an improvement where 91 responses were

collected.

As shown in figure 1 below, it showed that the respondents consist of 34 male (37.4%)

and 57 female (62.6%).

Fig. 1. Respondent‘s Gender

Further, participants of this study were from various semesters, 10 respondents were

from semester 1, 21 was semester 2, four was semester 3, 19 was semester 4, 9 was

semester five, 21 was semester six, 4 was semester 7 and 3 was semester 8 as

illustrated in figure 2 below. Thus, it can be said that the majority of the respondents

were from semester two and six.

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Fig.2. No of semester

In addition, based on the data collected, it showed that the majority of the respondents

expressed their satisfaction with the service provided by Inasis at a ‗good level‘ with

51.6%, followed by ‗very good‘ with 28.6% and continued with 17.6% at an ‗acceptable

level‘. Only two respondents with 2.2% indicated a ‗poor level‘ while staying at Inasis

TaG.

Fig. 3. Student‘s Satisfaction Level with Service Provided

As listed in the survey‘s responses, there are various issues and problems identified

among students. Table 1 summarizes the issues and problems faced by them.

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Table 1. Issues and Challenges faced by students during Pandemic COVID-19 at

Inasis

No. Issues Problems

1 Internet connection

(WiFi)

unstable networking (sometimes poor and very bad)

2 Animals care A lots of cats which not properly taking care, too many

cockroach,

3 Bathroom and toilet

maintenance

Water supply is slow, bathroom maintenance is poor,

door is broken, hygiene is poor, water blockage

4 Electricity supply blackout

5 Communication Current and latest information from JKPS sometimes

did not reach to students, it‘s hard to reach staff

6 Cafeteria and food

service

Limited number of cafeteria opened, little menu with

limited choices

7 Block facilities

(washing machine,

water cooler, bell,

corridor light, garbage

in the dustbin)

The bell rang so noisily, there was a lack of washing

machine and always making problems, always delay

in repairing the washing machine, corridor light often

did not function well, water cooler and dispenser

problems and limited, often piled up garbage

8 Transportation Low access to transportation service, lack of bus

service

9 Risky task provide health assistance during COVID-19 and

emergency time by staff and JKPS

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Discussion and Recommendations

Based on the results collected, it is suggested to go in depth one by one about the

common issues and challenges faced by students while staying at Inasis TaG

during the pandemic phase. From table 1, it can be seen that the majority reported

the common issues pertaining to block facilities (washing machine, water cooler,

bell, corridor light, garbage in the dustbin) as well as bathroom and toilet

maintenance. Besides that, cafeteria and food service also should be taken into

consideration. Internet connection and animal care also should be highlighted for

future improvement.

This study aimed to identify and evaluate the issues and challenges faced by

students and proposing solutions for better improvement in the future. It is

important to get their feedback in order to make strategic improvements, as the

UUM will continue receiving students for next semester. Findings from this survey

can be used to guide and assist students in the future by using several

recommendations as discussed in the next section.

Room for Improvement by Inasis Management Team

To ensure the student's well-being will be well-taken care by the management

team, several suggestions would be proposed to the top management of the

university. As listed below, it could be divided into several sections and actions for

improvement.

Washing machine improvement

Inasis will forward the proposal to improve the issue of washing machines to higher

authorities. It is understood that the party has made an appointment process and

is expected to resolve this issue in early 2022 with the capacity of a set of laundry

machine centers in each block. It is hoped that the number of washing machines

could be increased but it depends on several factors such as financial and decision

from top management.

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Food court menu improvement

Inasis will discuss with the cafe operator to ensure a balanced menu and nutritional

meal. It is important to highlight this issue as it would increase student‘s satisfaction in

regard to the menu and food at the cafe.

Addition of water cooler

Inasis will make an application to the SAC regarding this issue and is expected to be

completed in January 2022.

Toilet hygiene and cleanliness

Inasis will take immediate action with the UPSB. Discussions and improvements to

the system and how to work will be carried out with UPSB staff. Cooperation from

students related to hygiene and cleanliness is really appreciated. They are

suggested to always keep in touch with JKPS and Inasis management team by

doing a hygiene report.

Toilet damage

Inasis will take immediate action with the SRC. Discussions and improvements to

the system and working methods will be carried out with SRC staff. Pertaining to this

issue, as mentioned before, cooperation from students is highly appreciated by

reporting the damage to the management team and JKPS. This is to ensure the

repairing process can be done quickly.

Grocery store

Inasis will discuss with SAC immediately to resolve this issue. It is expected to

resolve this issue in early 2022 with a capacity of one unit of retail stores in each

Inasis.

Internet connection

Inasis will discuss with SAC immediately to resolve this issue. The possibility of WiFi

interruption can happen when there is massive usage among students at peak

hours.

Transportation service (bus, parking lot for car)

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Inasis will discuss with SAC immediately to resolve this issue. It is hoped that bus

service can be improved but due to this pandemic COVID-19, all elements and

considerations should be taken into consideration to ensure student‘s safety and

health.

Room for Improvement by Student Leadership Development Committee

(JKPS)

In this section, it is crucial to highlight the issue raised by students in regard to

JKPS‘s support and assistance. As can be seen in table 1, communication with

JKPS is quite low, especially in sharing the latest and current information and

procedures during pandemic COVID-19. Therefore, it is suggested to JKPS to

always be alert with any updates from university and Inasis from time to time.

However, in this case, it can be said that only a few students complained about

it, which portrayed poor commitment and communication between them. Therefore,

students are also reminded to actively involve and keep in touch with JKPS through

their Whatsapp group. Also, they are encouraged to search any relevant information

using Inasis Facebook and Instagram to get the latest information.

In minimizing the risk of virus exposure to JKPS, it is suggested to establish a new

workflow plan highlighting a clear procedures and job scope of JKPS during

pandemic COVID-19. Also, it is proposed to give more priority to fellows or staff who

have already received vaccination to take care of the students as to ensure JKPS‘s

safety and health during this pandemic. Based on previous practices, when the

students need assistance to bring them to the medical centre, the student will inform

the committee members and the one who‘s on the roster will assist them by driving

them to the medical centre. This practice became irrelevant during this pandemic

COVID-19 as it was too risky and dangerous. The situation went worse if the

medical staff were limited to one (1) per shift. Furthermore, a large number of

students staying on the campus has led them to be unable to handle the situation

well.

By evaluating students‘ health conditions including any symptoms or sickness would

be beneficial in enhancing safety and health among JKPS. If there is a symptom of

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COVID-19 among students, early precautions and actions can be implemented to

reduce the spreading of the virus to other students. It is suggested to provide JKPS

with a safety toolkit such as personal protective equipment (PPE) and related tools.

The number of staff to work during a shift needs to be increased from one (1) to

three

(3) because in case the emergency happens there are enough staff to handle and

manage these students. However, during this pandemic COVID-19, the number of

staff was decided by the top management of the university. This situation is

important to reduce the risk of infections and the spread of viruses in the workplace.

Generally, fellow staff will assist and help JKPS after working hours. Therefore,

JKPS and fellow staff should cooperate and help each other in this situation.

Next, the unused rooms at the block need to be opened to be used as a storage

room so that the problem of students who cannot store their belongings in the

existing store due to insufficient space can be overcome. With the decreased

number of students who went back to campus, this means there are a number of

rooms that are still available and vacant. The management could consider utilizing

the particular room as the storage rooms for the students to put their belongings.

This will enable the students to arrange their belongings in a more comfortable

space.

In order to solve the library issue, it is suggested to allow students to use the library

with strict Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). Studying in the library is more

efficient and could increase students‘ focus level in completing their assignment and

academic task. Therefore, it is beneficial to students if they can use this facility in the

future with strict SOP conducted by the library team.

Reducing the small impact program number while focusing on big impact programs

for each category of Key Performance Index (KPI) because too many programs

caused a lack in participation from students. Besides, the duration of the participants

who stayed until the program ended was too little. They did not receive all the inputs

as they were only focusing to get the merit score at the end of the session.

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Conclusion

Along the journey of an academic session in Inasis during this pandemic COVID-19,

each individual at Inasis, including students, management team and JKPS, has

faced several issues and challenges. It was not an easier task to fulfill all students‘

needs and requirements but with all efforts and commitment from all parties, the task

is simplified. Any challenges and problems that arise have created space and

opportunities for improvement. It is hoped that this study can minimize and reduce

depression, anxiety, and stress among university students during pandemic COVID-

19 while staying at Inasis. As supported by Aylie, Mekonen, and Mekuria, (2020a)

the widespread outbreak of COVID19 virus has brought not only the risk of death but

also major psychological pressure on university students. Thus, the findings from

this study will give much benefit to university administrators and management in

taking future emergency decisions concerning the implementation of online learning

programs (Demuyakor, 2020) as well as student‘s well-being and satisfaction during

this pandemic COVID-19. To conclude that, students are satisfied with the service

provided by Inasis during their staying period. However, there are a few aspects and

areas that need serious concern as discussed in the discussion and

recommendation section. It is hoped that the implementation and future

improvement can be done successfully. It would be beneficial for all parties in UUM

if each individual can adapt with these new norms for a better future.

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CONTESTING THE CHALLENGE OF “GOVERNMENTALITY” IN MANAGING UNIVERSITY PUTRA MALAYSIA (UPM) COLLEGE RESIDENTS IN THE MIDST

OF PANDEMIC COVID- 19

Aminuddin Hassan

Principal, Kolej Tun Dr. Ismail (KTDI), UPM

aminuddin@upm.edu.my

Wan Munira Binti Wan Jaafar

Chief Fellow, Kolej Sultan Alaeddin Suleiman Shah (KOSASS), UPM

Amini Amir Abdullah

Chairman, Board of Principals, Residential Colleges, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM

Nur Husnina Mohamad Yunus

Chairman, Secretariat of Culture, Arts and Unity, College Representative Council (MPK), Kolej Tun Dr. Ismail (KTDI), UPM

Muhammad Mustaqhim Bin Alias

President, College Representative Council (MPK), Kolej Sultan Alaeddin Suleiman Shah (KOSASS), UPM

Abstract

The term ―governmentality‖ was first coined by the French philosopher Michel

Foucault almost five decades ago. In Foucault‘s work, the concept of

governmentality can be applied to three distinctive types of government;

―government of the self‖, ―government of others‖ and ―government of the state‖

(Dean, 1999; p.2). The concept, as he asserted can be related to two important

denotations that are ―government rationality‖ and/or ―the art of government‖ (p.90). In

other words, governmentality refers to a system thinking that bother about ―who can

govern‖, ―what governing is‖ and‖ what or who is governed‖. Foucault also sees

government as ―the conduct of conduct‖- the phrase that addresses the question of

how our behaviour and that of others is formed, directed and regulated by means of

different practices and forms of rationality. The pandemic Covid-19 that struck the

world at the end of the year 2019 surges ahead of general understanding not only of

its economic impact but more importantly, in terms of social and political impacts.

Above all, governing is now seen and practiced from the entirely new perspective.

Covid-19 has brought about uncertainties in every walk of people‘s life. The survival

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of human beings is currently stirred up with worry in the entirety of its angles.

Businesses are closed and people lost their jobs. The enforcement of Movement

Control Order (MCO) marks the highest state of restriction in various dimensions.

Association of the people was distinctly discarded and thus, foundering the entire

social system. Higher education sector was seen amongst the affected entities. In

the university, most physical activities were banned and online distance learning

(ODL) took place the conventional lesson in full. A sudden change in rules and

regulations with regards to a new Standard Operation Procedure (SOP) informed

various issues and challenges to both the student housing management and college

residents. The challenge lies in the endeavour to ensure that the in-house students

are safe and adhere to the new norms, rules and adjustment. Having these issues at

hand, the paper seeks to discover the changing governmentality in the manner of

―government of others‖ that has been practiced among student housing

management in UPM during this calamity. Data will be gathered from selected top

management personnel and views will be qualitatively discussed to specifically

address this issue.

Keywords: Governmentality, Managing College Residents, Pandemic Covid-19

Introduction

Higher education in the twentieth century is contested terrain. Universities are

expected to measure various aspects of routine practices and carry out strategies

directly from the corporate playbook, including brand marketing and quality

improvement procedures. In order to compete, many colleges and universities have

had only minuscule options but to adopt a more corporate model, the one that

foreground efficiency and sees students as consumers and, once they have earned

degrees, as ―products‖ (Gorman, 2012). Universities have been closely linked to

disciplinary structures and practices and there has been some interesting work on

the disciplinary practices on educational leadership and administration (cited in

Niesche, 2013). Simultaneously, residential college administrators are frequently

found juggling to meet the expectations of government policymakers, students and

potential employers. One of four Foucault forms of power is governmentality in

which the object is population operating through apparatuses of security,

characterized by spaces, the aleatory and normalization (cited in Gorman, 2012). In

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this paper, the population that is being governed consist of College Representative

Council (MPK) and residential college management. In Universiti Putra Malaysia,

residential colleges are governed by the administrative officers with the assistance of

MPK consisting of appointed university students. ―The 1960-1970s global wave of

university democratization gave opportunities for student leaders‘ involvement in

decision making processes on matters affecting their wellbeing. Students‘ protests

across the world in the industrialized nations in 1970s demanded institutional reforms

especially in the students‘ governance and leadership in institutions of higher

learning‖ (Murage et al., 2019, p. 1). The establishment of student councils is a way

forward to a learner centered leadership approach embedded within the democratic

governance of schools (Mboyonga, 2018). Fundamentally, management of

residential colleges in Universiti Putra Malaysia consist of the administrative officers,

the Principal and college fellows. COVID-19 is an infectious disease firstly

discovered in Wuhan, China where the virus attacks one‘s respiratory system in

which it could lead to fatalities. COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by World Health

Organization (WHO) on 11 March 2020. Following the declaration, many countries

such as Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, China and Malaysia went into full

lockdown. In Malaysia, Movement Control Order (MCO) was implemented on 18

March 2020 to break the COVID-19 chain requiring the closure of all businesses

except those providing essential services and items (Bernama, 2020). MCO surely

have impacted businesses, hospitality, tourism, aviation and education sector.

Guided by science and the advices of WHO and Ministry of Health Malaysia (MoH),

assorted new Standard Operation Procedure (SOP) were introduced to the people.

For example, social gatherings and meetings were prohibited resulting in people to

find alternatives to adapt to the new norms.

Statement of the Problem

The introduction of new Standard Operation Procedure (SOP) by the Malaysian

National Security Council due to the pandemic, Movement Control Order (MCO) and

the need to live a new norm in life are applicable on campus and poses challenges

to the residential college management, College Representative Council (MPK) and

also to the residents of residential colleges. Erratically when new SOPs are being

announced by Malaysian National Security Council, residents of residential colleges

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get confused having questions ponder around on mind and will refer to MPK first to

acquire more detailed answers. Thus, this paper questions the challenges of

governmentality in managing Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) college residents in

the midst of pandemic COVID-19 faced by the College Representative Council

(MPK).

Study Objective

This paper generally seeks to identify the potential obstacles in governing residential

colleges in Universiti Putra Malaysia in the midst of pandemic COVID-19. Explicitly,

the objectives of this paper are:

I) To recognize the role of College Representative Council (MPK) in Universiti Putra

Malaysia as the voices of the residents.

II) To study the challenges faced by residential college management and College

Representative Council (MPK) in managing residents of respective residential

college.

Past Studies

The role of College Representative Council (MPK) are undeniable powerful,

influential and significant in managing the college residents who are also the

students of the university. MPK in Universiti Putra Malaysia is appointed by the

management of each residential college and operate as an intermediary between

the managements and the students in many aspects of the prospective college‘s

matter. Each of the representative are often earmarked with a specific portfolio

(―Majlis Perwakilan Pelajar (Student Representative Council) 2020/2021‖, n.d.). For

instance, welfare, academic, culture, entrepreneurship, sport, volunteerism,

innovation, recreational, media and many others. Albeit holding different portfolios,

MPK frequently share the same vision and mission; that is, to represent the interest

of the students for sustainable well-being and development and to assist the

residential college management to achieve the respective residential college‘s vision

and mission. As a resident residing at the residential college, each of the residents

has rights to have influences on decisions that will assuredly affect them now,

sooner or later (Mayes, 2016). To an extent, MPK acts as the planner and organizer

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of activities based on the academic calendar at each student admission session

(―Majlis Perwakilan Kolej‖, n.d.). The role of MPK includes managing, identifying and

handling residents‘ problems and needs. MPK not only functions to defend residents‘

rights, but also to offer an abundant of activities and recreational programmes that

meet the requirements and needs of the residents (Musa & Rou, 2017). Ever since

the pandemic hit the country and all over the world, various face to face activities

occasionally designed for residential college residents are being halted.

Nevertheless, the vision and the mission of MPK stayed the same.

Mayes (2016) stated that student representatives may be at a temporal drawback

because compared to most adults in the management, who mostly serve for a

number of consecutive years, students generally only serve for one school year.

Identically, residential college management of Universiti Putra Malaysia consist of

employees of the university in which comprises a number of adults and most MPK

only serve as a member of representative council for one academic year. With

different mindsets and perspectives, it could lead to conflicts and clashes between

the youth and the management. In some cases, MPK would get intimidated by the

adults in a particular meeting with the residential college management. When

arriving at decision making, there are such concerns raised that some adults may

feel and think that adults are more matured than the students, losing MPK‘s

confidence in involving in making decision.

Methodology

Study was conducted using qualitative method through interviews with selected

housing management administrative and College Representative Council (MPK)

from Universiti Putra Malaysia. Analysis is made thematically in term of narrative

approach. Several questions were asked and the responses were recorded and

analyzed.

Result

Objective I: The purpose of the establishment of College Representative Council

(MPK) is to ensure that the residents‘ voices are consistently being heard and their

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opinions are being included in all decision making. The residents of residential

colleges which are non-other than the students of the university provide unique

insight from another perspective that might not be possible for management to view

and access. Therefore, MPK acts as the bridge to connect the youth and the

management for an excellent governance. MPK also strive to help the college

management to improve the services provided for the benefits and welfare of the

residents without compromising standards and welfare of residents.

Objective II: Problems and conflicts arises when students demand for feedback to

their requests from college management and College Representative Council (MPK)

in a short of time. In some cases, when the outcomes do not meet the expectations of

the residents, some residents tend to bring the matter outside to be viewed by

outsiders by posting and ranting on social medias before even seeking for

justifications from MPK and management. The consequences of this action would be

unpleasant to the residential college management, MPK and the university. Political

and bureaucracy in university and residential colleges might be one of the internal

factors of the delay in a particular decision making. Being the member of the council

itself, MPK might find it challenging to connect the residents and the residential

college management due to different mindsets and perspectives between these two

parties. Students‘ deficit knowledge of university and college policies and statues

could be one of the contributions to the challenges MPK faced when governing.

Governance of College Representative Council (MPK) in the Midst Pandemic

COVID-19

Taking after the widespread of COVID-19, the government of the country, Malaysia

itself has implemented various of new Standard Operation Procedure (SOP) to curb

the spread of COVID-19. Many are affected by the sudden alteration in the rules and

regulations; university students are not excluded. Most of the physical activities that

include a large crowd are suspended and online distance learning (ODL) is

implemented to replace the conventional learning in full. In order to abide with the

rules and regulations, College Representative Council (MPK) had to change the

method of the governance. Activities, discussions and meetings ought to be

conducted remotely.

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Challenges of MPK’s Governmentality

In the early days of the pandemic in year 2020, when the number of infected people

by COVID-19 were just escalating, the government of Malaysia had announced the

restriction of movement order beginning in March 2020 (Tang, 2020). People were

not allowed to cross state nor district without a firm justification. University students

were stranded in college miles away from home embarked to have mixed emotions;

anxiety, depression and misery. MPK had to ensure these students‘ mental and

physical health are well taken care of. As a matter of fact, in October 2020, the

Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE) made a sudden remark and had given a one

day‘s notice to higher institutions to shift classes online when campuses were

supposed to reopen. A portion of students were physically stranded on road, some

were denied entry into campuses and there were other students found themselves

without enough expenses to make a return trip back home. In result, student

associations had to appeal financial support from the ministry on behalf of the

affected students (Lau, 2020).

Issues like poor internet connection amongst university students is not foreign at all

and are still being discussed widely. High-speed home Internet access is uncommon

in rural regions due to inadequate infrastructure for providing broadband Internet

access in these regions (Hampton et al., 2020). This resulted in an exacerbating

education inequality and differences in performance gap. When MPK takes an

alternative to conduct activities online as all physical activities in campus were

banned, it is absolutely doubtful that all students are able to be involved whether as

the committee members or audiences. On top of that, there are students who own

long-standing laptops, computers or tablets that are not compatible with all sorts of

latest online meeting or streaming platforms. Subsequently, every time MPK intends

to conduct or organize online activities, it is essential to take account of which

platforms that can be accessed by most residents. Collective learning is nearly

impossible in this matter.

Months passing by into the pandemic, MoHE has decided to allow six categories of

students to return to respective campuses in March 2021 to attend hybrid classes or

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online classes from campus. The six categories are tertiary education programmes

that require practical, laboratory, clinical training, studios, workshops and special

equipment, students who do not have adequate internet access and a conducive

environment to carry out online distance learning (ODL), foundation programme or

equivalent and diploma students who are already on campus can pursue hybrid

learning, all existing and new international students except from the United Kingdom,

students with special needs (PWD) and students sitting for Malaysia University

English Test (MUET), international and professional body examinations (Idris, 2021).

Number of positive cases were ramping up again and full MCO was implemented

somewhere in May 2021. During MCO, hybrid classes were postponed and all

students were not allowed to go out of the campus except to the in-campus cafes to

buy food. This created a bubble amongst the residential college residents;

interaction only occur amongst residents yet residents were not allowed to perform

exercises like jogging around the campus. Complains were delivered to MPK and

MPK had to wrestle with the conflict of voicing out for residents and the

management that was just abiding national rules.

University fees in Malaysia generally is not cheap neither affordable for all people

especially for those at Bottom 40 (B40). For Universiti Putra Malaysia specifically, it

could reach over one grand of ringgit Malaysia per semester. Some of the fees that

are being included in the general fee are health fee, library fee, laboratory fee,

transportation fee, residential college fees and many others. When Movement

Control Order (MCO) were being implemented and online distance learning were

conducted to replace the conventional learning in full, almost all of the university

facilities were not used by students but students had to still pay for the fees. Every

semester since the pandemic hit, MPK would be receiving requests from students to

reduce the university fees. A decrement in fees is beyond MPK‘s power but students

often seek answers from MPK. It is however understandable the reason students

were demanding for reduction in university fees as when students spend more time

at home, electricity bills would be rising as well. Ergo, the extra money from

reduction in university fees could help students to lessen parents‘ burden. In

addition, MCO had caused closure of businesses and shortened business hour.

Many businesses had to set foot on to the last resort, which is, to downsize by laying

off workers. Laid off workers lost the source of their income and found themselves

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struggling to pay bills; some need to pay for their children‘s school fees.

Summary and Concluding Remarks

In closing, College Representative Council (MPK) from Universiti Putra Malaysia

(UPM) are still facing conflicts on how to govern the residents as they have to meet

the expectations of both parties even though in the midst of pandemic; the residents

of the respective residential college and the management. Pandemic had made it

more complicated to solve complications and issues arose due to miscommunication

and misunderstanding that is likely to happen when most discussions and meetings

are conducted remotely and virtually. People meeting face-to-face could

communicate wit each other in many ways and not just limited by voices. For

example, facial expressions and body languages deliver an abundant amount of

additional information. These cues can assist a particular discussion and might be

missed or lost in online meetings. Every time someone changes a position in person,

they still remain in a full view which could not be seen when doing meetings online

where someone could unintentionally disappear from sight in a split of seconds. This

results in higher probability of misunderstandings to occur (Davidson, n.d.). Higher

institution managements including Ministry of Higher Education ought to make

decisions based on students‘ survey and data and analysis and not just make

decisions blindly that could bring discomfort to students especially during the

pandemic. Student affairs ought to be addressed adequately by university

administration because it is a shared responsibility (Murage et al., 2019). Hence,

students‘ voices and recommendations should never be put out in the cold when

deciding on their current and future educational matter. Collective feedback from

each resident at the end of every academic session is beneficial and helpful for the

next session‘s appointed MPK to ensure that the previous shortcomings are not

going to be repeated and if the similar problems accrued, prospect MPK would have

gotten an idea on how to solve the problems systematically with improvements. Since

UPM‘s MPK is not elected and voted by the residents of the residential college itself,

other students‘ and residents‘ trust in College Representative Council‘s

accountability in bringing their voices to the management team is crucial and

essential to gain mutual understanding for the well-being of all residents. On the

other hand, councils should be transparent when deciding on students‘ welfare and

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genuinely represent the students, not just as one of the members of council (Mayes,

2016). Appointed MPK should take the role as College Representative Council

seriously and play fairly such that MPK must avoid being anyone‘s puppet. In

addition, MPK should be accountable to make reports on how residents are

represented by the council. This is to value, listen and respond to residents‘ concerns

that will help MPK to reflect to a great degree on all processes and practices.

Residents‘ opinions ought to be reviewed and given feedback so that the residents

could continuously feel that their voices are definitely being recognized,

acknowledged, trusted, valued and included in the governance of residential college.

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