GEORGE TOWN: Parents and relatives of over 4,000 Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) students stranded at hostels and rented houses during the Movement Control Order (MCO) should not worry about their well-being as the university has them covered.
USM has taken necessary steps, including establishing a Covid-19 Nerve Centre, to ensure the students are well stocked with basic food supply throughout the period.
Some staff even voluntarily agreed to take three-month pay cut so that the money could be utilised to cater for the students and staff in need.
USM Nerve Centre assistant coordinator Tuan Mohd Salman Tuan Mohd Jaffar said about RM1.5 million had been contributed from the voluntary salary deductions so far.
USM's special fund has also collected over RM200,000, and the money will be used to take care of the students’ affairs.
"We have a database of our students living at our hostels and also renting outside the campus, and we are providing the necessary assistance to them.
"For students staying in campus, they have received about RM400 worth of coupons where they can buy food at the cafe within their hostels since they can’t go out.
"As for students who are renting homes outside, we distribute food kits to them every now and then," he told the New Straits Times when met at the campus here today.
A student from Sabah, Flory Riana Galus, 20, said it has been a difficult first year for her at USM. However, she said her parents were relieved that she was in good hands.
“USM staff have been helping us since day one. The internet connection at our hostel is also good for online classes," said Flory, who is studying for a degree in Pharmacy at the main campus here.
Fine Arts degree student from Kenya, Paige Mbugua, 25, said USM has been proactive in helping students since the MCO was enforced.
Living at a condominium with her friends, she felt that the food kit distributed to her had helped to save some money and also time.
"We are relaxed now. There are clinics open around the clock, a helpline for counselling and many more. Classes must continue regardless of the situation and USM has made it easy for us," she said.