Ums Rebuts Students Group S Call To Reduce Fees Over Water Woes

---

 


There is no need to further reduce the tuition fees of Universiti Sabah Malaysia (UMS) students as they are already paying a minimal rate, while the revenue generated could then be used to improve campus facilities, said university vice-chancellor Kasim Mansor.
Kasim, in rebutting a call for the university’s student group to reduce fees over longstanding water woes, also urged them not to blame Higher Education Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir.
He said this is because fees and facilities fall under the jurisdiction of the university’s management committee and board of directors.
“This issue is being addressed directly by the university with continued support from the Higher Education Ministry.
ADS“(Currently) the tuition fees are being subsidised by more than 90 percent by the government, with the balance borne by the students at a very minimal rate compared to the actual cost of studies.
“Therefore, the decision not to provide additional reduction is in line with efforts to ensure that the university funds are used to improve facilities that are more urgent and beneficial to its students,” he said in a statement today.
Kasim MansorHe also conveyed UMS’ great appreciation towards Zambry for his attention and assistance in addressing the water supply issues, as well as various other efforts for the students’ welfare.
‘Confused and belittled’
On Sept 15, Suara Mahasiswa UMS deputy president Qistina Qaisara Syahril Akmar claimed that Zambry had dismissed students’ concerns, including regarding water issues, during a meeting.
She claimed that Zambry told her during the meeting that his ministry has no power to cut fees, which contradicted Kasim’s statement to the students before the meeting, causing confusion among students and making them feel belittled.
Kasim had previously said that UMS started facing water shortages as early as 2020, following rapid development in nearby areas.
On June 5, during a meeting with Kasim, a group of student activists called for university administrators to file an RM100 million suit against the state’s water department.
Solving water woes better than slashing fees
Kasim also said that the university, after taking into account its campus residents’ long-term interest, finds that a further tuition fee cut is not appropriate, as solving the water crisis would be a far more effective solution. 
Kasim said the university, with financial assistance from the Higher Education Ministry and the Finance Ministry, has taken serious and proactive steps to address the water supply issues.
They are also cooperating with relevant agencies, including the Sabah State Water Department (Jans) and maintenance contractors, to implement various initiatives to resolve the matter, including by constructing a tubewell, installing additional water storage tanks at strategic locations, and collaborating with Jans for integrated monitoring of the water supply system.
ADS“This effort proves the university’s commitment to ensuring that the welfare of the students continues to be maintained throughout the water crisis.
“The university is committed to ensuring our students’ comfort and that they are studying in more conducive conditions.”
He also called on all parties to continue to cooperate and express their views through the right channels so that efforts to repair infrastructure can be implemented more effectively for the well-being of all.
Kasim added that the university is confident that with close cooperation between students, management, and the ministry, the well-being of the entire campus can be improved. - Mkini

---