Rodiah Mustafa, UMT Ihsan Centre

More than 1000 selected students of Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) were all smiles recently when the university presented them with financial aids of different types totalling RM632,000.

The event took place in a special ceremony in January and was attended by UMT’s top management.

The aids were intended to lessen the students’ financial burden so they can focus on their academic efforts. In line with UMT’s commitment to helping the needy students, the university offers several forms of financial aids, including tuition fee aid, living allowance, and aids related to natural disasters such as flood.

The chosen students were those under the low-income bracket and with academic excellence and those befell with tragedy.

Money for the aids came from zakat contributions by several of UMT’s corporate “buddies.” UMT also invited them to the event to convey its appreciation for their contributions.

A total of 681 students received a RM500 living allowance, courtesy of zakat funds from Lembaga Tabung Haji, Maybank Islamic Berhad, and Majlis Agama Islam dan Adat Melayu Terengganu (MAIDAM). Another 100 who required a bigger help received a RM1000 living allowance, channelled through zakat fund from Petronas Asy-Syakirin Fund.

Through zakat fund from Pelaburan Hartanah Berhad (PHB), 100 students received a RM500 living allowance, distributed in two ways. RM250 was credited into the recipient’s account, and the other RM250 was credited into the recipient’s PHB trust unit account. The aim was to ensure the stability of the student’s finances and provide the opportunity for the recipient to invest financial instruments to receive a return in the future.

A total of 143 students each received a flood aid totalling RM500. The aid was channelled through Etiqa Family Takaful Berhad zakat fund. The aim was to lessen the burden caused by flood and help them get back on their feet.

UMT Vice Chancellor Professor Ir. Ts. Dr. Mohd Zamri Ibrahim in his speech at the ceremony reminded the aids recipients to use the money well and for the right purposes.

“May this assistance ease your way as you work towards your academic success,” he said. “And do not forget to give back to the community one day.”

The recipients said they were deeply touched by UMT’s kind gesture, which demonstrates the university always prioritizes its students’ welfare.

They said the money will help ease their burden and allow them to have a better life as students.

They expressed their appreciation by thanking the contributors to the aids and wishing that their businesses will continue to prosper.