Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) launched a humanitarian mission through the university’s SKUAD IHSAN MADANI KPT, organized by the Ministry of Higher Education, to help victims of flood caused by the Northeast Monsoon phenomena. The initiative involved more than 100 student volunteers who are committed in providing assistance to affected communities in Kelantan and Terengganu.

The mission focused on cleaning household items damaged by the flood and distributing MADANI Ihsan Basket aid consisting of basic necessities worth RM20,000. The main target locations included badly affected districts in Kelantan and Jerteh, Terengganu.

The mission’s coordinator, Shafie Umardi@Kamarol Bahrin, said UMT was intent on helping the government succeed in the flood-relief mission.

“Some of UMT students’ families were involved in the flood, especially those in Kelantan and Terengganu. Therefore, we felt it was our responsibility to help as much as possible,” he said.

Meanwhile, leader of the student volunteer mission Adam Qayyum Rasukhan said the volunteer experience has helped developed empathy and flexibility among team members.

“During this mission, we learned about the hardship faced by the flood victims. Their thanks and smile became our source of encouragement to continue offering help although we were exhausted,” he said.

Adam said being involved in volunteer work provides add values on top student’s classroom learning.

“We also learn about practical knowledge from agencies and other universities. Volunteers are unpaid not because they are of little value but because they are priceless,” he said.

The launching of UMT’s KPT SKUAD IHSAN MADANI reflects the effort to instill a high sense of caring among UMT students. Through their active involvement in the mission, the students not only provided their service to the community, but also learned about the spirit of togetherness and about the strong relationship between the community and educational institutions.  

The success of the mission serves a proof that humanitarian values and empathy are the keys to having graduates who are not only academically excellent but also big-hearted and caring towards society.

Published by:

Corporate Communications Office

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu