Higher Education minister surveys UMP readiness in handling Covid-19 outbreak

The Higher Education Minister, Dato’ Dr. Noraini Ahmad visited Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) on 10 April 2020 to survey the readiness of the university to face the Covid-19 outbreak.
Joining the visit was the Finance Deputy Minister II, Mohd Shahar Abdullah, who is also the Paya Besar Member of Parliament.
The arrival of Dato’ Dr. Noraini was greeted by the UMP Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ir. Dr. Wan Azhar Wan Yusof, along with the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs & Alumni), Professor Dato’ Dr. Yuserrie Zainuddin and the President of the Students’ Representative Council (MPP), Mohd Fitri Zulkafli in Gambang.
During the visit, the delegates were briefed about the current situation in the university in handling the Covid-19 outbreak and the internal compliance to the Movement Control Order (MCO).
She also contributed face masks and donated RM3,000.00 from the Ministry of Higher Education.
According to Professor Ir. Dr. Wan Azhar, UMP was grateful with the visit by Dato’ Dr. Noraini during the MCO period.
“We welcome the efforts of the government and the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) in helping the university, especially in bearing the cost of food preparation for the students on campus.
“UMP always prioritises the safety and welfare of our 1,260 students.
“This includes food preparation, health facilities and daily necessities, involving the off-campus students.
“UMP also appreciates the contribution from the community in ensuring an adequate supply of food and daily necessities,” he said.
Besides, UMP Campus Pantry, handled by Student Affairs and Alumni Department, managed to collect daily necessities and dry food from Food Bank Malaysia under the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP).
Donations were also received from individuals.
Dato’ Dr. Noraini also visited the Residential Colleges and had the opportunity to observe the systematic management of food distribution for the students, following the necessary safety procedures.

Students need to scan the code provided for data recording, clean hands using the hand sanitizer and maintain the social distance.

Dato’ Dr. Noraini asked the students to be patient and stay on campus as recommended by the Ministry of Health (MOH) and National Security Council (NSC), as the mass movement to return to their hometowns may spark new Covid-19 clusters.

“The government has encouraged students to remain in their respective locations until further instructions,” she said.

She believes the students understand that we are in a difficult situation in fighting this global threat.

The government also appreciates the sacrifice shown by students in combating the outbreak.

She also hopes the students remain patient and stay on campus to break the Covid-19 chain.

Dato’ Dr. Noraini also praised and thanked the UMP frontliners in ensuring the welfare of students on campus without compromising safety and health during the MCO period.

By            : Mohd. Ferdaus Musa, Office Of The Vice-Chancellor
Translation by: Dr. Rozaimi Abu Samah, Faculty Of Chemical And Process Engineering Technology