Achieving their goals: Twin sisters Leena (left) and Leetha were among the top scorers in the 2024 SPM.
JOHOR BARU: Twins K. Leena and K. Leetha battled chicken pox and dengue fever during the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examinations.
Despite the odds, they managed to achieve excellent results.
The elder twin Leena said she came down with chicken pox in the first week of the SPM and had to sit for four papers in isolation.
“It was tough because I could not discuss the exams with my classmates after each paper like we usually did.
“But luckily I have my twin sister Leetha who always gave me support to push through challenging times,” she said.
Leetha, meanwhile, was hospitalised for a week due to dengue fever during her own trial examinations.
She said she couldn’t do any revisions at the time because her platelet count kept dropping drastically from the normal range of over 180 to just around 20.
“I was too weak to even eat or get out of bed without help from my mother, who took care of me round the clock.
“I am glad I recovered eventually and my school allowed me to sit for my remaining trial papers for Bahasa Tamil, Perakaunan and Perniagaan after getting discharged from the hospital,” she added.
Leena scored 9As while Leetha scored 10As in their SPM.
The 18-year-old twins now want to pursue their own dreams.
Leena is focused on becoming a doctor, while Leetha hopes to be a teacher.
Leetha said this will be their first time being apart as she will be continuing her studies at Institut Pendidikan Guru Kampus Raja Melewar in Negri Sembilan, while Leena will be enrolling in the foundation in science programme at a private university in order to enter the medical field.
The twins were among 205 students from the Indian community who were recognised by Yayasan Sultanah Rogayah (YSR) for their excellent results in the 2023 and 2024 SPM and Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) examinations.
Another recipient, A. Renugan, who scored 9As in his SPM, said he kept a well-organised study routine where he revised regularly.
He also frequently sought guidance from his seniors to stay on track with his academic goals.
“I usually study in the morning because it is easier for me to focus.
“At night, I usually exercise to help me stay mentally focused while also taking care of my physical health,” he said.
Renugan, who is the older of two siblings, said he hopes to get good results in Form Six at SMK Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra in Kulai.
YSR chairman Datuk R. Sugumaran said RM205,000 was allocated for this year’s incentive programme, with each recipient receiving RM1,000 and a certificate of appreciation.
