Prof Dr Ahmad Hata Rasit
KUCHING (June 4): Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) has assured prospective students that they will not be denied entry simply because they face financial difficulties during registration.
Its vice-chancellor, Prof Dr Ahmad Hata Rasit, stressed that concerns over registration-related financial pressures should be addressed responsibly and without creating unnecessary panic among students and their families.
“Financial pressures faced by lower-income families, particularly those from rural areas, B40 households and first-generation university families, are genuine concerns that must be approached with empathy and understanding,” he said in a statement.
However, he said it would be inaccurate to suggest that students would simply be denied entry to the university because they were unable to make payments on registration day.
“When a child of the nation earns a place at university, financial difficulty must be met with guidance, support and reasonable pathways forward.
“Registration day should mark the beginning of confidence, not fear,” he said.
Dr Ahmad Hata said Unimas has various student welfare and financial assistance mechanisms coordinated through its Student Affairs and Alumni Division to support students facing financial hardship.
“These include support for fees and living expenses, the Food@Campus programme, medical equipment, emergency aid, bereavement assistance, counselling services, accommodation, ICT support and the SULUNG Student Development Programme,” he said.
He added that the university also mobilises assistance through its Endowment and Waqf Division to extend aid to students in need.
“Among the initiatives are the Kasih Insani Programme, food support with Tabung Baitulmal Sarawak, food vouchers with Maybank Islamic Berhad, laptop assistance, endowment scholarships with Bank Rakyat and Maybank Islamic Berhad, paid community projects through UNIMASfm and Affin Bank, as well as on-campus employment opportunities under the Job on Campus programme,” he said.
Dr Ahmad Hata said the university’s next challenge is not only to provide assistance but also to ensure that information on available support reaches students and their families earlier and in a clearer, more practical manner.
“Students and families who are often placed at the centre of public concern should not be underestimated. Many carry life experiences shaped by resilience, wisdom and courage.
“What they need is accurate information, clear channels and dignified treatment,” he said.
Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir in a statement posted on his Facebook page on Monday assured that no student offered a place at a public university would be prevented from registering due to financial constraints.
He said the Ministry of Higher Education, through the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN), provides an Advance Loan Payment (WPP) of RM1,500, in addition to education financing facilities with flexible repayment terms.
The ministry also offers subsidised accommodation at residential colleges, as well as food assistance programmes for students in need, he added.
