BY LEONG Z-KEEN
KUCHING: The Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration is in full swing across Malaysia as Muslims reunite with their loved ones for a joyous occasion.
However, some students studying in Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) have opted to remain in Sarawak during Aidilfitri.
Speaking to New Sarawak Tribune, Muhammad Danial Zainal Abidin, 22, a final year Linguistics student from the Faculty of Education, Language and Communication (FELC) explained that the cost of flight tickets barred him from celebrating at his hometown.
“This is my second time not being able to travel back to meet my family members back in Bandar Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur.
“The cost for my flight can go up to around RM500 for a one way trip and even so, we only get around three days of holidays during the celebration even though we have two weeks of online class.”
Fellow first year FELC student Aryannie Rosundin, 21, from the Strategic Communication Programme shared the same sentiment.
“Although I am from Sabah, my flight cost can rack up to around RM800 for a round trip, so I chose to remain in Sarawak.
“Furthermore, we actually get around three days of holidays from the two weeks since the other days are students having online classes,” she added.
Siti Sharipah Shakila Saiful, 23, a final year student studying International Relations at Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (FSSH), too was grounded by costly flight tickets.
“Before this, I have decided not to fly back to Sabah for Aidilfitri since the flight ticket prices are already that expensive.”
“Apart from that, I would also need to travel back to my relative’s village for the celebration which is more than enough reason for me to remain in Sarawak.”
Nur Pretty Ezra Jasmin, a second year student studying Art Management under the Faculty of Applied and Creative Arts (FACA), is also in the same boat as the others.
“I was one of the many students who took out a loan from the National higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) and for this semester, the loan was not credited into my account, causing me to miss out on buying tickets at a cheaper rate.
“I feel quite sad since I am unable to be with my family members for the festive week this year.”
As for the holidays, all four plan to celebrate Aidilfitri together with their friends around Kuching while completing any unfinished assignments.
