All smiles: Crisnanalina receiving financial aid from Justinus Jalang (left), the public liaison officer of Ratib, at her family’s house in Paitan, Pitas district.
KOTA KINABALU: Crisnanalina Jumis, 20, initially had little hope for a higher education as her family couldn’t afford the RM3,000 registration fee. But thanks to some outside help, she is now set to begin her studies.
Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) had made arrangements for the former SMK Pitas student to travel to the city here from her village in Sabah’s poverty-stricken northern Pitas district.
Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Mustapha Sakmud said Crisnanalina would register for her course today.
Yayasan Perkasa Siswa (YPS-KPT) would provide initial assistance worth RM1,000, to be credited directly into her bank account, to help her settle down in preparation to start her studies, he said.
“We try our best to simplify the registration process for needy students.
“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 the student’s welfare is maintained.
“This assistance is not only for the case of Crisnanalina. It is available for all students at public universities,” he said after a briefing by the UMS management.
He thanked the media and many Malaysians who had highlighted Crisnanalina’s plight.
“This kind of caring spirit should continue,” he said, adding that the ministry would continue to assist needy students.
Meanwhile, state Community Development and People’s Wellbeing Minister Datuk James Ratib also provided RM3,000 to help Crisnanalina cover expenses for her studies at UMS.
