TUESDAY, 5 JULY – Following the fire incident that occurred at Kampung Tanjung Kapor, Kudat on 25 June morning, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) through its Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FPSK), Rural Medical Education Centre, Sikuati, Kudat (PERDESA) and the Four Wheel Drive Volunteers Club (UMS4WDC) recently led the collection of basic necessities from staff and students of UMS meant for the affected fire victims.

 Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) UMS, Prof. Dr. Shahril Yusof who headed the team said, in the last four days they managed to collect donations in the form of clothing, food, daily necessities including the basic needs for babies and children.

“We also managed to collect cash money of RM31, 204 donated by individuals and organisations who generously made their contributions, especially during this month of Ramadan.”

“The money was divided among the head of families, to lighten their financial burden, and with the Hari Raya fast approaching,” he said.

Professor Shahril added, all donated items were transported using two lorries and 17 four-wheel drive vehicles.

“Besides the contributions, we also brought along doctors and nurses from FPSK to treat and examine the health of those affected and provide the appropriate medications for their use.”

“The affected community was still in shocked and traumatised by the whole ordeal.  Thus, UMS will also send out psychologists to alleviate their trauma,” he explained.

According to Professor Shahril, non-physical assistance was one of UMS’ expertise and would be used for the benefit and the good of the community, especially in Sabah.

“I am grateful to all UMS staff involved including the students who volunteered  in this programme.  Such cooperation will always be needed to ensure the smooth running of the programme and the objective of the campaign met.”

Also participated in the delivery of contribution were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic and International, Professor Dr. D Kamaruddin D Mudin and FPSK Dean, Professor Dr. Zainal Ariffin Mustapha. – (fl)

MONDAY, 4 JULY – All Departments, Faculties, Centres, Institutes and Units (JFPIU) at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) were reminded to take precautionary measures to ensure the safety of their office assets during the long Hari Raya Aidilfitri holidays.

According to a statement issued by UMS Security Division, JFPIU must ensure that their offices, laboratories, residential colleges and offices that have important assets belonging to the university were always placed under lock and key.

The statement added that all electrical switch must be switched off when not in use or after leaving the office, and those leaving their cars at UMS parking lot must notify the security division about the matter.

JFPIU also requested for name of staff who can be contacted in the event of an incident at their respective offices.

For any enquiries or emergencies, please call the Communication and CCTV Control Centre, Security Division at 088-320111 or 088-320000 extension 1199. – (fl)

THURSDAY, 30 JUNE – Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) Library will be closed in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

According to a statement issued by the department, the library will be closed for two days, on 6 and 7 July 2016.

However, UMS Library Database can still be accessed through www.ums.edu.my/library/ or facebook.com/umslibrary.

Meanwhile, UMS Health Centre and UMS Polyclinic (Kingfisher Riverside) also issued a reminder on their rescheduled operating hours during the semester break starting 3 July to 28 August 2016.

The opening hours from Mondays to Thursdays are from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm and closed from 1.00 pm to 2.00 pm.

The operating hours on Fridays are the same with a break between 11.30 am and 2.00 pm.

However, they are both closed on Saturdays and Sundays including public holidays. – (fl)

WEDNESDAY, 29 JUNE – ‘Ketuk-ketuk Ramadan Bendahari’ is back again this year, serving delectable menu for distribution to staff and students of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) later this evening.

Organised by the Staff Recreation Club of Bursar Department, the activity which entered its forth year would be serving Nasi Hujan Panas, Ayam Madu Insaf, Kacang Ataturk and Laici-kang.

“This activity is a yearly event for our department and we will strive to continue this practice,” said Mohamad Edrus Othman who is the Deputy Bursar at the Bursar Department.

Assistant Bursar, Johnson Yong Thau Sze who has been with the department for more than seven years expressed his excitement when met at the event, adding that the whole department worked as a team regardless of race or religion.

Assistant Administrator, Hazlinah Nasruddin stated that the event fostered goodwill and cooperation amongst staff of the department whilst contributing to the breaking of fast for other staff.

For the record, the Bursar department also cooked and contributed food for the breaking of fast and moreh yesterday at UMS Mosque. - FL