THE government has been slammed for passing over varsity students in its efforts to help flood-affected folk.

The Higher Education Ministry (MOHE) has been slow in assisting students affected by the floods, said several student unions.

They said they are extremely disappointed and upset that the government has left the general population and students with little to no aid following one of the worst floods in Malaysia in years.

Kesatuan Mahasiswa Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Majlis Perwakilan Pelajar Universiti Malaysia Pahang and University of Malaya Students’ Union in a statement said: “We duly note that (MOHE) had ‘activated the Flood Operations Room to assist higher educational institution students and staff’ on December 19 via coordination of the distribution of assistance to those affected.”

“However, reality seems to suggest that such initiatives are slow to be mobilised as there is a lack of material aid from the said initiative.”

The ministry’s failure to announce a cool-down period before resuming classes at higher education institutions in flood-affected states has caused students to be troubled, the statement added.

The groups said a cool-down period is crucial for those affected to recover their electricity, Wi-Fi connection and emotions, and return to a conducive study environment before resuming studies so they will not be left behind in an already challenging distance-learning environment.

“Calls have been made by multiple student bodies such as the Biro Mahasiswa Angkatan Muda Keadilan, Persatuan Kebangsaan Pelajar Islam Malaysia, Persatuan Pelajar Islam Selangor Darul Ehsan, as well as students’ unions and representative councils to the management of their respective universities.”

They claimed the calls have fallen on deaf ears. Only on late Wednesday, did the ministry release a statement “suggesting” the institutions take such an approach.

However, this announcement has only confused students, who were unsure whether there will be any learning and teaching activity the following day, they added.

They also chastised the government for its late relief response to the floods, which have displaced more than 70,000 people and left 39 others dead.

Continuous heavy rain since Friday has caused devastating floods over the weekend in Perak, Pahang, Kelantan, Terengganu, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Malacca and Negri Sembilan.

The student unions demanded that the government make amends to assist flood victims by sending aid to affected varsity students based on data collected by the flood operations room.

They also urged the government to coordinate real and meaningful rescue and rebuilding operations that are not mere gimmick and for publicity purposes by sending the military and firefighters.

“Announce to the public what are the various data collected from the recent floods, and what are the short- and long-term action plans to mitigate losses in future occurrences.” – December 24, 2021.