UiTM Students Still Housed in Temporary Transit College After Landslide
Students Forced to Evacuate Off-Campus Accommodation
Fifty-three students from the Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Machang campus are still being housed in a temporary transit college after a landslide forced them to evacuate their off-campus residential lodgings in Taman Desa Mas at the end of November.
Eyewitness Accounts
A third-semester Diploma in Information Management student, Noralia Natasya Mohd Aziz Helmi, 19, recalled the incident, "After hearing the loud noise, I immediately rushed out with my housemates to see what was happening. We were shocked to see a landslide near our area. One of my friends immediately contacted the university and informed them about the incident as she was quite concerned about our safety."
Swift Action by University Management
Another undergraduate, Nur Farah Husna Hizuan, 19, stated, "Our monthly rent is RM800, and after the incident I informed the landlord that we cannot live in the area until the situation returns to normal." Nur Natasha, 19, expressed her gratitude, "I am grateful that the university management took swift action to protect its students even though they live off-campus."
UiTM’s Response
UiTM Kelantan Deputy Rector (Student Affairs), Meer Zhar Farouk Amir Razli, explained, "The Machang District Council on Dec 3 issued a notice to vacate the residential premises in Taman Desa Mas and move out as there was a landslide in the area. The maintenance work to remove the landslide debris is estimated to take 21 days, depending on weather factors." He added, "We will ensure that all students involved are on campus until the Local Authority allows them to return to their respective homes."
Review of Off-Campus Accommodation Policy
Meer Zhar also proposed that UiTM’s top management review the policy involving placing students off campus, especially in areas at risk of flooding, "We will ensure that all students involved are on campus until the Local Authority allows them to return to their respective homes. We will also review our policy on off-campus accommodation to ensure the safety and well-being of our students."
Conclusion
The landslide in Taman Desa Mas has left 53 students from the Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Machang campus housed in a temporary transit college. The swift action taken by the university management to protect its students is commendable. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of reviewing and revising policies regarding off-campus accommodation, particularly in areas prone to natural disasters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When did the landslide occur?
A: The landslide occurred on November 29th.
Q: How many students were affected?
A: Fifty-three students from the Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Machang campus were affected.
Q: How long will it take to remove the landslide debris?
A: The maintenance work to remove the landslide debris is estimated to take 21 days, depending on weather factors.
Q: Will the university review its policy on off-campus accommodation?
A: Yes, the university has proposed reviewing its policy on off-campus accommodation to ensure the safety and well-being of its students.