KABONG: “The government is always concerned about our wellbeing. Families at home do not have to worry because the situation is still under control and we are all safe,” said 22-year-old Mohamad Amir Aimirul Taim from Kabong who is currently studying at University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis.
The current developments in the United States as the country most affected by the Covid-19 pandemic have left many parents concerned about Malaysian students there.
What’s more worrying for his family in Kabong is that the United States is currently facing protests after the death of a black man.
Amir, when contacted by Suara Sarawak, said the protests took place in the city centre not far from the University.
“The peaceful protests mostly involve people from outside of Minnesota who provide support through peaceful gatherings.
“However, the situation began to worsen last week. The stores were destroyed as the protestors burned them and broke in. After that, the Minnesota government issued a curfew order throughout Minneapolis due to the civil unrest.
“Residents cannot leave their houses from 8pm to 6am and bus services and light-rail transit are all halted apart from highway closures in the city area.
“However, everything is under control so far. The distance of the university to the main area of the incident is about 10 kilometres,” he said.
The protests followed the death of George Floyd, 46, on May 25 when a police officer knelt on his neck for nine minutes while detaining him.
Amir expressed his gratitude to the Malaysian government represented by Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara).
“Alhamdulillah, all food supplies are adequate, available for delivery straight to the residence.
“Mara always keeps in touch with us via email. We are encouraged to sign up and report on our progress weekly.
“They advise us to comply with any directives from the authorities,” said Amir who is also one of the students sponsored under the Mara American Degree Programme.
“Alhamdulillah, we are still safe,” said the student of Bachelor Degree of Sciences in Physics who is expected to graduate in 2022.
According to him, as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, the university was closed and all learning sessions were conducted online.
Amir also said the number of Covid-19 cases in Minnesota had reached about 25,000.
Although he was unable to return home this year, Amir wished his family good health in the face of a global pandemic.
“Mak, apak, sik boh bingung ngan kamek, keadaan situk ‘ok’ jak… masih terkawal. (Mom, dad, do not worry about me, everything is alright here … it’s still under control),” he said, adding that the last time he returned home was for last year’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
Earlier, Amir’s father Taim Amat, 61, expressed concern for his youngest son because of the severe Covid-19 outbreak in the United States.
“My wife Minah Engot and I were worried about Amir’s condition. I hope either the federal government or state government will constantly monitor their progress there.
“I have never stopped praying for Amir and his friends to always be protected by Allah SWT and to be able to graduate smoothly,” said Taim who is also a Suara Sarawak newspaper seller in Kabong town.
Amir was a former student of the MRSM Betong who obtained 9A+ in SPM examination before being offered and sponsored for his studies in the United States.
