KUALA LUMPUR - Maszlee Malik’s efforts to raise funds to assist students stranded in university campuses received overwhelming response, generating RM110,998.89 as of 2pm today.
He said 4,763 students had applied for assistance, surpassing the 3,000 mark he had set.
"We closed applications at 9am today after we received a plea for assistance from 3,000 students. However, more applications seem to be entering our system," Maszlee tweeted.
The campaign was launched by the former education minister in light of yesterday's last-minute announcement by the Higher Education Ministry, urging public universities to halt all face-to-face registrations and classes.
The move left many students stranded on campus, and in need of assistance to return home.
Maszlee said that the distribution of funds had begun at 2pm today and it will be delivered in stages.
"100 recipients will receive the funds first,” he said.
"We will also inform when we are going to stop receiving funding after examining all the applications."
The Simpang Renggam MP is not the only one who has initiated a crowdfunding campaign to assist these students. Earlier, the youth-led political party, Muda, raised more than RM51,000 in three hours.
For those who support this initiative, donations can be made to Maybank Pertubuhan Rejuvenasi Pendidikan (5647-1752-7213) - The Vibes, October 3, 2020
