KOTA KINABALU: Newly appointed Higher Education minister Datuk Seri Zamry Abd Kadir was greeted by irate students bearing placards during his first work visit to Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) here.
Instead of a conventional welcome, students flashed placards to tell him of their plight of having to study while enduring water scarcity.
The group also sang a song to apologise to Zambry as they have not showered before welcoming his entourage.
Present was Deputy Higher Education minister Mustapha Sakmud and UMS vice chancellor Datuk Kasim Mansor.
It is learned that there are state Water department tankers coming into the campus, but it was not enough for the residents.
Last year, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim agreed to a RM3million allocation to solve the issue.
"We are hoping that there will be transparency on how the money is being used and its progress.
"Apart from that, on behalf of students, we want the accommodation fee to be reduced due to water interruption."
Zambry announced an additional RM2 million for a short-term solution through management of the water pressure and tube well system.