Student Who Used Gunny Sack To Move Into University Dorm Receives Help After Viral Photo
The photo caught the attention of Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek.
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A student who used a gunny sack to carry her belongings while moving into the dormitory at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) has received help after a photo of the sack went viral
In a Facebook post yesterday, 29 September, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek stated that she had arranged financial aid and other necessities for the student, Rafida Zaiddin, after reaching out to Sabah chief minister's political secretary Sabah Cikgu Rahman and USM lecturer Dr Abdullah Bade.
"The story of [Rafida] carrying a sack to the dormitory during registration at UMS touched many people.
"Hailing from the blessed land of Sandakan, Rafida is a clever child. Her exam results at Labuan Matriculation College are very impressive, and she is now studying accounting at UMS," she said.
The education minister added that Rafida's situation resonated with her personally, as she had also sent her eldest child to university on the same day.
Fadhlina assured that Rafida will not have to worry about financial matters, as everything will be taken care of until she graduates.
Separately, the Higher Education Ministry has instructed the management of UMS and Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Sabah to identify students in need on their respective campuses
Its deputy minister Datuk Mustapha Sakmud said various assistance will be channelled to these students.
He said the ministry is committed to ensuring the welfare of students throughout their studies.