BETONG: Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) has reaffirmed its commitment to admit underprivileged students even if they cannot afford to pay tuition fees upfront.
Unimas vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Mohamad Kadim Suaidi stated that one of the university’s policies is allowing financially challenged students to register without paying fees at the time of enrolment.
“For several years now, Unimas has adhered to this policy. So, when these students receive offers and come to Unimas but cannot afford to pay fees, we accept them. They can enrol as students and register for their courses,” he said.
He made these comments in response to a question regarding the statement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who directed public universities in the country not to reject underprivileged or financially incapable students.
This was discussed after the UPU2U 2023 Outreach Programme Zone Sarawak held at the Tan Sri Datuk Amar Stephen Kalong Ningkan Sports Hall yesterday.
He explained that Unimas will handle the payment matters to assist financially disadvantaged students.
“We have various sources such as endowment funds, student welfare funds, and the Tabung Baitulmal Sarawak (TBS), specifically for Sarawakian students. We also have other accessible funds. Rest assured, if you receive an offer to join Unimas, you can register without paying fees,” he assured.
Earlier on Tuesday, Anwar announced this matter during a gathering at the Ministry of Finance.
According to him, this directive is the first of its kind in the country to ensure that students have the opportunity to pursue higher education.
“I’ve given the directive that no university can reject any underprivileged student. They must register, and the ministry or department should resolve it.
“This is the first time in history; none of our children, from any community, poor and unable to pay, can be rejected from entering a university. They register first, and then they report it,” he said.
Anwar also mentioned that some students from Ampang and Tambun had declined offers to enrol in a university because they couldn’t afford the registration fees.
