Grounded by MCO, UMP student finally return home

The first batch of 1,154 students from Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP), public and private universities, polytechnic and community college has started their journey back to hometowns in east coast region on 30 April 2020. 

304 of them are from Pahang, 396 from Kelantan and 454 are from Terengganu. 

The long awaited journey back home ended their 40 days of Movement Restricted Order (MCO) in campus that has started since the implementation of MCO on 18 March 2020. 

Muhammad Hazamuddin Wan Hassan, 25 from Department of Civil Engineering, Engineering College UMP, is deeply moved to finally get the chance to return to his hometown in Tumpat, Kelantan. 

“I was eagerly waiting for the approval to go home and was delighted and relieved when they informed me that I can do so.

“My family contacted me few days ago and were looking forward for me to get home,” he added. 

He thanked the university, the ministry and authorities for their continuous dedication to bring the students back to their hometowns. 

Likewise, Nurliyana Mohamad Azmi, 27, from Faculty of Civil Engineering Technology, UMP was also touched by the way students were brought back and even provided with meals. 

“My parents keep calling me asking when I can come home. They often share latest update on Covid-19 news and are hoping for me to return home.

“All praise to Allah, our prayer were answered. I’m so happy to see all my friends from northern area has reached home,” added Nurliyana who is going back to Raub, Pahang.  

In UMP, a total of 140 students, 26 Liaison Officer and more than 40 drivers have been screened for Covid-19 before they were allowed to start the journey. 

The remaining of 1,120 students were still in the campus waiting for the next trip back home expected to be settled by 10 May 2020. 

26 buses has been arranged to bring UMP students from Gambang and Pekan campus back to their hometowns. 

In addition, screening for symptoms (body temperature, sore throat, cough, colds and shortness of breath) was also conducted by the University Health Center (PKU) before travel clearance can be obtained.

Students are also reminded to maintain social distancing, to wear face masks throughout the journey and to practice personal hygiene using hand sanitizer.
Also present to witness the process of sending students home were UMP Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ir. Dr. Wan Azhar Wan Yusoff, Pahang Police Chief, Datuk Abd Jalil Hassan and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni), Professor Dato’ Ts. Dr. Yuserrie Zainuddin.

Translation by: Nadira Hana Ab Hamid, Faculty Of Manufacturing And Mechatronic Engineering Technology