The compulsory professional examination for Bachelor of Laws graduates, seeking admission into the Malaysian Bar, was postponed twice last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic and ensuing movement control order.
In previous years, candidates were required to be present outside the halls by 8am for their 9am exam. Reena Rai, 25, was left with a headache upon learning that she would have to travel to the outskirts of Selangor. Reena added that the LPQB should have considered giving candidates three months notice or more before announcing the examination dates or even the venue.“Advance notice is important as those who are working will need to plan their leave days.
“I have been trying to find short-stay rental options but it is difficult to know what kind of places these are as I cannot cross into Selangor to check them out unless I get a police permit.First-time candidate Natrah Ahmad, 25, said the pandemic was exacerbating the pressure and stress most candidates were already going through.
“Now we can’t find anyone to take over the rented unit and I have to fork out an additional RM700+ for a decent accommodation in Putrajaya, ” she said.“I know that I will be tired travelling to Jenjarom and back but I need to be in a comfortable space to study and prepare, ” said Heng who expects to fork out some RM380 on travel expenses.