KOTA KINABALU: Crisnanalina Jumis, who faced a bleak higher education future when her family could not afford an RM3,000 university registration fee, will begin her studies on Friday (Oct 11).
Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) is making arrangements to bring the 20-year-old former SMK Pitas student here from her village in Sabah’s poverty-stricken northern Pitas district.
Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Mustapha Sakmud said that Crisnanalina would be registered on Friday.
He said Yayasan Perkasa Siswa (YPS-KPT) will provide initial assistance worth RM1,000 which will be channelled directly into her account to help her settle down in preparation to begin her studies.
“We try our best to simplify the registration process for students in need.
“The ministry through the Student Welfare and Finance Division, UMS Student Affairs Department will also match the appropriate aid and ensure that the cost of studies and student’s welfare is maintained.
“This help is not only for the case of Crisnanalina, it is even available for all students at public universities,” he said after a briefing by the UMS management.
He assured that various assistance from both the federal and state government were available for the students.
Mustapha thanked the media and many Malaysians who highlighted Crisnanalina’s plight as it reflected people’s keenness to help young Sabah children get an education.
“This kind of caring spirit should continue among the people. I wish Crisnanalina good luck in her studies,” he said, assuring that the ministry will continue to assist needy students.
He said the story of Crisnanalina from Paitan whose family found it difficult to raise money to pay her UMS registration fee was “an unfortunate reality for our children in rural Sabah.”
Meanwhile, Community Development and People’s Wellbeing Minister Datuk James Ratib also provided financial assistance of RM3,000 to Crisnanalina to continue her studies at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS).
