Around Campus Info

UMP students remain calm on campus

Translation by: DR. ROZAIMI ABU SAMAH, FACULTY OF CHEMICAL AND PROCESS  ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY

The safety and wellbeing of nearly 1,000 students of Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) in UMP Pekan and UMP Gambang Campus have always been the priority of the university.

Cafeteria and retail outlets that operate from 7.00 a.m. until 7.00 p.m. as well as the internet facilities certainly comfort the students during the Movement Control Order (MCO).

According to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni), Professor Dato’ Dr. Yuserrie Zainuddin, the university provides free food for students during the MCO.

“Dry food are also distributed through Campus Pantry, along with the donation from outsiders.

“The students are also supplied with basic necessities such as soap and shampoo for self-hygiene.

“The MCO forbids students to gather, and they are regularly reminded to always practise social distancing, including while getting food.

“The students are free to do any activities on the campus, and the Student Affairs and Alumni Department (JHEPA) also organises online programmes such as short video competition and e-sports,” he said.

He expects parents and families to not worry about their children as long as they remain within the campus.

“The university ensures the students to adhere to the rules and guidelines as well as comply to the standards specified while dealing with others in UMP.

“Those who show symptoms can proceed to the University Health Centre (PKU) that opens daily, and our security team is on the 24-hour watch to ensure the safety and movement of the students.

“Apart from that, residential colleges are cleaned daily to keep the hygiene at its best level,” he said.

He added that his team was grateful for the donation from the external parties, including from Paya Besar Member of Parliament Mohd. Shahar Abdullah, Sabah Foundation, NGOs, Food Hunger, and the Faculty of Chemical and Process Engineering Technology, which contribute three daily meals for on- and off-campus students.

“In safeguarding the safety and wellbeing of the on-campus UMP associates, contributors and off-campus students are only allowed to deal at the guardhouse as well as keep the social distance in compliance with the MCO within the campus,” he said.

Faculty of Computing student Aishah Umairah Sutrisno Karsono Sadium from Kampar, Perak, was initially anxious because she never faced with such a situation.

The anxiety towards the Covid-19 outbreak made her stay within campus even though most students went back to their home towns for the semester break.

She mentioned that her free time is filled with reading books, tidying room, or improve her art skills.

“So far, all the facilities are sufficient, and students residing in the campus have no problems for food access because cafeteria and PKU are still open as usual,” she said.

Hailing from Sabah, Mohd Asraf Andman, 23, from the Department of Electrical Engineering, Engineering College, said that all students are safe and calm on the campus.

“We have no worries about food because we receive assistance from the Sabah State Government through the Sabah State Communications Office in Kuala Lumpur.

“UMP also provides food through Food Kit.

“Besides studying, most times are used for surfing the internet and playing online games,” he said.

He practises social distancing, regularly washes his hands, and puts on a face mask to avoid the infection of Covid-19.

“Students should maintain their wellbeing and drink mineral or plain water in such hot weather.

Similarly, another Sabahan, Mohammad Nur Syukri Mohammad Zandri, 22, from the same department, was initially worried about the MCO because most of his friends already returned to their villages for the semester break.

However, he decided to stay on the campus after contemplating the risk of going home during this period.

“Among other things, I read books and watch movies, and most importantly, I get enough sleep and appreciate the provided assistance,” he said while being grateful to receive help from the Sabah State Government and UMP.

He informed his parents not to be worried as UMP is safe and food is sufficient.

He also advises UMP students to take care of their wellbeing and cleanliness and do what is beneficial during this period.

Around Campus Info

‘Mom and Dad’ for students in Residential College

Translation by: DR. ROZAIMI ABU SAMAH, FACULTY OF CHEMICAL AND PROCESS ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY

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.