‘Mom and Dad’ for students in Residential College

In addition to the sacrifice of health and safety officers to go on duty as frontliners during the Movement Control Order (MCO) to curb the Covid-19 outbreak, the role of principals and fellows of residential colleges is also crucial in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the students who stay on campus.
According to the Principal of Residential College 3 (KK3), Rosjuliana Hidayu Rosli, she must ensure students remain in the good and controlled condition during the MCO.
“During this period, all the principals must remain updated with the information to be shared with the students in guaranteeing all instructions are obeyed, including their personal hygiene.
“Besides that, hygienic food preparation and adequate food supply are also guaranteed.
“Food distribution is scheduled and coordinated in respective residential colleges to minimise students’ movement,” she said.
At the same time, university management also provides basic necessities to the students.
“Since the first day of the MCO, all principals and fellows are prepared to make sure students remain calm and follow the prescribed procedures.
“We use social media such as WhatsApp to communicate and share information with the students.
“The assistance also reaches the students from Sabah that live off campus, and we try to assist them so that they can stay on campus.
“I treat them as my daughters as their parents have entrusted us to care for them.
“Daily night patrol is done to ensure their safety.  “I can see them smile, calm and patient during this difficult time,” she added.
She is grateful to have a team with great synergy in task coordination and execution so they can balance their time for family and work.
Meanwhile, the Principal of Residential College 4 (KK4), Nasrul Salim Pakheri, said that nearly 80 male students in KK4 remain calm.
Heath screening is conducted daily by checking their body temperature while taking food.
“This procedure is necessary to monitor their wellbeing and curb the outbreak.
“Besides the on-campus students, we are also concerned with the wellbeing of those who reside off campus, especially regarding the food supply.
“Students do not have to worry about their daily necessities because there are shops on the campus for them to get the necessities according to the scheduled operation time,” he said.
“However, if the items are out of stock and it is urgent, the staff will help to buy for them.”
He always advises students to concern about health and cleanliness as well as to capitalise on the free time to study and do something useful.
Currently, 1,005 students are receiving free food, including additional needs in UMP Campus Pantry during the MCO that is extended until 14 April 2020. 
Students can also get online counselling guidance or contact the selected counsellor through e-Kaunseling in e-Community.

Translation by: Dr. Rozaimi Abu Samah, Faculty Of Chemical And Process Engineering Technology