KOTA KINABALU: When Nor Fasha Natashya Abdul Rahim received an offer to pursue a medical programme for her tertiary education, the 20-year-old from Tawau had to turn down the offer after learning about the incurred fees.
Nor Fasha, the fourth of eight siblings, said her father had passed away, and her mother is a homemaker who relies on government welfare assistance to support the family.
All that changed when Nor Fasha became one of the two recipients of the contribution from Sabah Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin, which has made it possible for them to pursue their tertiary education at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS).
"With a 3.62 pointer from Labuan Matriculation College, I was surprised to be offered a place in the medical programme, as usually only those who achieve at least 3.8 or above 3.9 pointers are accepted.
"Upon receiving the offer, I had to reject it and plan to postpone my studies for a year to earn enough for the fees and other expenses. I learned that the (initial) course costs about RM2,700.
"However, I am thankful that many have come forward to assist me in furthering my studies," she said when met during the handover of laptops ceremony by UMS to underprivileged students at the university.
The other recipient is Tropical Forestry Faculty student Crisnanalina Jumis, 19, from Paitan.
Nor Fasha Natashya and Crisnanalina were presented with educational assistance by the liaison secretary to Juhar, Datuk Mohd Rashid Mohd Tahir, during a ceremony at the university today.
Present was UMS vice-chancellor Datuk Dr Kasim Mansor.
During the meeting, Kasim said financial difficulties should not deter excellent students from pursuing their studies, and the university would strive to assist underprivileged students.