Rahmah Prepaid Siswa Package benefits UMPSA students

PEKAN, 19 July 2024 - Students at Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) are welcoming the Ministry of Communications' recent announcement of the Rahmah Prepaid Siswa Package. 

This package offers a price not exceeding RM30 with a minimum data start of 30GB and a validity period of 180 days.

The Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE), through a media statement on 17 July 2024, also expressed its support for this initiative. 

The package, created in collaboration with telecommunications service providers, aligns with the government's efforts to address rising living costs, aiming to provide better telecommunications and internet coverage for students during their study sessions.

For 2nd-year student Asyraf Zhofran Ismail from the Faculty of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering Technology (FTKMA), this initiative is a significant relief. 

“The Rahmah Prepaid Siswa Prepaid package offers a more affordable way to access the internet, which is crucial for online learning. 

“It’s a supportive step for students in this technological era,” he said. 

Asyraf added that this package allows students to save money, access the internet more easily, and focus on their studies. 

“However, the effectiveness of this package depends on service quality, student awareness, and continuous support,” he said. 

The package also promises substantial savings for students, reducing the money spent on telecommunication services. 

These savings can then be allocated to other necessities like educational materials, food, and transportation, thereby easing the overall financial burden on students. 

Consistent and reliable internet access is crucial for online learning and completing academic assignments, which this package aims to ensure.

Ahmad Fitri Sahazudin, a 1st-year student from the Faculty of Civil Engineering Technology (FTKA), remarked that this package reflects the government's and telecommunication companies' understanding of students' needs. 

"This initiative shows the government’s efforts to tackle the rising living costs faced by students. 

With prepaid packages offering lower charges and sufficient data, students don't need to spend excessively on internet access," he said. 

Ahmad highlighted that this allows students to allocate more of their spending to essentials like food, books, and study materials. 

Reliable internet access is essential for accessing online learning materials, conducting research, attending online classes, and communicating with lecturers and classmates, which ultimately enhances academic performance.

Alvian Jorgen, also from FTKA, emphasized the affordability of the package, which makes it easier for students to participate in online learning and complete assignments. 

Adam Ibrahim Jamaludin, a 2nd-year student from FTKA, expressed his gratitude towards the government, the Ministry of Communications, and the telecommunications companies involved. 

“Throughout my studies, from college to university, this initiative is one of the best because it benefits students, particularly in terms of technology and internet access," he said. 

Adam mentioned that, given the necessity of 24-hour internet and the usual cost of RM40/month, this package allows students to focus on other living expenses. 

He concluded by saying that with most assignments submitted online and lecture notes uploaded on digital platforms, this initiative offers flexibility and alleviates the worry about internet access, helping students to be more focused and efficient in their studies.

By: Mimi Rabita Abdul Wahit, Centre for Corporate Communications

Translation by: Aminatul Nor Mohamed Said, UMPSA Career Centre (UMPSACC)