CONTRIBUTIONS FOR USM SPECIAL COVID-19 FUND REACHES RM3,880,428.31
USM PENANG, 18 April 2020 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) has successfully raised RM3,880,428.31 (as of 17 April 2020) for its Special COVID-19 Fund to be used to address the welfare of the students who are residing on and off Campus as well as the needs of the staff especially those serving as frontliners and for equipping and upgrading the medical facilities during the Movement Control Order (MCO) period.
According to the USM Bursar Department, at the same time, a total of RM2,000,506.83 from the amount collected has been utilised to provide food coupons for students, for medical expenditure, procurement of medical equipment (for COVID-19 testing, breathing support, resuscitation, medication infusion and heart monitoring), and other related purposes.
Since the Fund was launched on March 20th, contributions have been pouring in, and the University extends its utmost appreciation and gratitude to all who have contributed generously to the Fund.
“On behalf of the University and personally, I wish to thank all staff, students, alumni members, individuals, government agencies, corporate bodies, various organisations, NGOs, etc. who have donated to this Fund,” said the USM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. Faisal Rafiq Mahamd Adikan.
He added, “It means a lot to us and I strongly believe with your continuous support and prayer, we can navigate and pull through these challenging times.”
At the same time, Faisal Rafiq also urged the USM local and international students to remain in their respective campuses, including some 360 USM International Medical Programme students who are currently residing at USM-KLE Campus in Belgaum, Karnataka, India amid India’s lockdown.
“Please be patient and comply with the Health Ministry, Ministry of Higher Education and local authorities’ directives to remain on campus, where online classes are currently going on full swing.
“We also advise the parents not to worry about their children’s wellbeing as USM, through its Student Development Affairs and Alumni Division (BHEPA), has taken all the necessary and continuous measures to ensure that the wellbeing of students in the Desasiswa (hostels on campus) and outside the campus is well taken care of,” he added.
For the record, a total of about 4,800 students are staying in its four campuses since the implementation of the MCO.
Text: Tan Ewe Hoe/Infographic: Ebrahim Abdul Manan