Financial hardship puts Kelantan student's university dream at risk

TUMPAT: Armed with only a donated suitcase containing a few clothes and personal items, 20-year-old Nur Jannatul Sofea Rusdi nearly turned down a university offer because her family could not afford the costs.

The Kampung Pantai Geting resident, who is due to begin a building surveying course at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Shah Alam on Sept 23, does not even own a laptop, an essential tool for her studies.

Nur Jannatul Sofea said she recently paid the RM798 registration fee with financial assistance from the Kelantan State Development Office, but still needs funds for other essential expenses.

"I almost rejected the offer on my parents' advice, as we had exhausted all avenues to raise money for my university expenses.

"However, relatives and neighbours urged us to accept it for the sake of my future. They also contributed what they could to help ease our burden," she said when met at her home here.

The sixth of seven siblings said she had always dreamed of pursuing higher education and would be the only child in her family to attend university.

Her parents, Rusdi Amjah, 63, and Hasnah Salleh, 58, also hope their daughter can eventually improve the family's circumstances.

Hasnah said the family had been unable to save for their children's education due to her husband's irregular income.

"My husband's income is irregular, and although another child helps by collecting scrap metal, it is barely enough for our basic needs.

"That was why I asked Sofea to reject the offer, as we simply could not afford it.

"Relatives and neighbours advised us to accept the offer and contributed some money, but we are still worried about the cost of necessities, especially a laptop and transport to Shah Alam," she said.

Hasnah said the family would also have to rent a car to send Sofea to Shah Alam as they did not own a vehicle.

"We will likely make the trip there and back without staying overnight as we have no relatives to stay with and cannot afford accommodation," she said.