Covid-19: Students face severe financial strain, need support, says activist

KUALA LUMPUR – While it is well-publicised that the Covid-19 pandemic has affected businesses, industries, and professionals, the plight of one worst-hit section has not been highlighted as much – the student community.

The sudden implementation of the movement control order a year ago meant that parents and students were the most affected as jobs were lost overnight.

“This meant that students in primary and secondary schools, as well as those in colleges and universities, were left in the lurch as many parents could not afford to maintain their families,” veteran welfare activist P. Murugiah told The Vibes.

This is especially true for Malaysian students studying overseas, who were caught off-guard when the pandemic struck, restricting travel and deteriorating the economy.

Murugiah came to know of parents whose children were studying medicine in Indonesia and Poland and could no longer afford to pay the tuition fees.

“In one particular case, a parent, whose son had only one year of medical studies left in Indonesia, became really frustrated,” he recalled.

Fortunately, the Penang Hindu Association – the welfare outfit that Murugiah leads – reached out to help and secured a substantial sum to add on to what the parent had borrowed to pay off the outstanding fees.

“Thank God, the boy has now graduated and is awaiting his housemanship.”

Murugiah has spent the last 25 years assisting cremation rites for unclaimed bodies, distributing provisions for the needy, helping cancer victims settle medical bills, and rendering other forms of support.

Most recently, he was called to help a single mother who could not afford to pay her son’s tuition fees.

What annoyed him, he said, was that the university had fined the student for late payment and charged interest on the amount of balance due.

“I find that universities do not understand the dilemma faced by parents who cannot pay the fees.

“They should not impose fines or charge interest as they are penalising those who are already facing financial difficulties.”

Murugiah and his fellow volunteers have since placed more than 22 students in hostels and under the care of non-governmental organisations during the pandemic.

“When families who are affected by the pandemic cannot afford to look after their children due to the loss of jobs, we help place their schoolgoing children in hostels with facilities to continue their online lessons as it is important for youngsters to have a future to look forward to.”

The association has also assisted more than 50 university students who needed funds to complete their studies.

“The most endearing aspect is that the sponsors are Malaysians of all races,” said Murugiah.

“It is heartening to note that Malaysians are all united in helping each other.In fact, the biggest problem we have is not the people, but the bureaucracy we have to deal with.

“When we request help, there is so much protocol to go through that we have to seek private sponsors for help in the end.”

Although schools have reopened now, there are still parents without jobs who have to pay for school and transport fees, and buy textbooks.

“What can these parents do except to seek help from us?” he asked.

What makes matters more poignant is that there are students who are disabled or sick and face financial constraints.

Murugiah said one way to help all these people is for the government to establish a one-stop directory, to which all in need can refer – with sections for financial distress, lack of food and groceries, and homelessness – to ease the burden of those seeking help.

Some of these people are not only poor, but also illiterate, he added.

“I can only say that the directory should be in different languages so all the races can refer to it.”

He said the most heart-wrenching case he saw during the pandemic was of a homeless family living in a car.

Murugiah highlighted the matter to the state government, which acted almost immediately once the case caught the attention of the press.

Those who wish to contribute to aid students and families facing difficulties during this trying time can contact Murugiah at 016-444-9246, or email [email protected]. – The Vibes, March 25, 2021