Students lament costly trip for nothing after last-minute UiTM directive

 

Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) students lamented having to foot costly trips back to campus only to be told not to return at the last minute.

This was after UiTM issued a circular on May 17 asking students not to return to campus as learning will be conducted virtually amid rising Covid-19 cases.

A student said his family had spent almost RM1,000 on the trip only to find out about the new decision.

"I travelled all the way from Perlis to Selangor. My parents have spent almost RM1,000 on goods, toll, fuel, hotel etc.

"Suddenly, when we have arrived in Selangor, UiTM released a statement saying there was no need to return," said Twitter user @AfzanFadzil.

He also shared a picture of his family vehicle filled with items for the campus.

Similar complaints were also seen on UiTM's Facebook page where it had uploaded the circular.

The circular said open and distance learning will be conducted until the end of the semester.

The university added that a combination of online and face-to-face learning will only be conducted if there is a pressing need.

It did not turn back students who have arrived on campus but required them to do a daily health declaration.

However, it had caused confusion among parents who asked if they had to bring their children back.

"My child is already at UiTM. We only found out (about the circular) tonight. Do I need to take my child back?

"It's the second time we're experiencing this," said Joana Manap.

Others complained about the money they have already spent prior to the last-minute announcement.

"It's really troublesome. There have been two postponements (to return to campus). A lot of money has been wasted and then it was postponed at the last minute," said Kamarazizi Candik.

Last month, the Higher Education Ministry said public varsity students should return to campus between May 15 to May 20.

In contrast, the Education Ministry had adopted a different strategy for schools, asking students to stay home for e-learning after the Hari Raya season.

This was because the Education Ministry was worried that students may become infected with Covid-19 during the Hari Raya season and bring the virus to school.  - Mkini