Some Sabah uni students stay on due to limited internet access at home

By Olivia Miwil - May 5, 2020 @ 10:57am

Dayang Nur Hanis Najihah Murshid

KOTA KINABALU: Some of the students from Sabah have decided to remain at their respective university campuses in Peninsular Malaysia to focus on their studies.

They said one of the major issues was limited Internet access in their hometowns.

First year TESL student, Dayang Nur Hanis Najihah Murshid, 20, said by staying on, she was able to concentrate on her online learning because the Internet coverage at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia was better than her hometown in Kota Kinabalu.

Although used to being away from home since she was 18, she said this was the first time she observe Ramadan alone.

"I do feel sad knowing that I will miss the Aidilfitri celebration with my family this year. But, I guess this is the best decision for now.

"I do keep in touch with my family and friends by calling them every day (for emotional support)," she said, adding that her sisters also decided to stay at their respective colleges in Labuan and Universiti Utara Malaysia in Kedah.

It was reported that about 7,200 students are returning to Sabah from Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak following the government's announcement last month.

Hanis, who has been staying at the hostel since February, said there were many other Sabahan students who decided to remain in Peninsular Malaysia.

Her coursemate, Kimberly Peter, said it was acceptable to stay in the campus for now as students were still able to get access to basic needs.

"The university provides us lunch and dinner, I save a lot of money on that. There is also a mini post office and ATM machine available.

"Although we are not allowed to go out, the management still lets us order food online and pick up them up at designated areas," she said, adding that she was planning to return to Sabah in June for the semester break.