Do better to monitor students’ mental health, MoHE, UiTM told after 2 deaths

KUALA LUMPUR – Calls to monitor the mental health status of university students have been renewed, while the Higher Education Ministry and Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) face criticism following the recent deaths of two students.

Critics said the continuous online learning has resulted in students experiencing burnout and stress due to an unreasonable workload.

Gerakan Mahasiswa Demokratik and youth-led party Muda in a joint statement yesterday said students “should not be expected to continue learning like nothing is happening around them” when there is an ongoing health crisis.

The two groups are urging the ministry and public universities to take firm action to address students’ mental health.

They also suggested that students’ workload be reduced, and no last minute assignments and tests be handed out.

“A week’s rest should be given every four weeks, and students should be given more time to complete their assignments.

“Limit all classes, tests and quizzes to office hours to allow students time to rest or tend to other matters.

“Non-essential subjects should be put on hold, so students can focus on ones that increase their marketability after graduating.

“Lastly, all parties should stop pointing fingers and blaming the victims, who may be facing issues such as financial, family welfare and so on.”

They described UiTM’s response as tone-deaf, adding that the university should take responsibility for stress-inducing academic plans.

Terengganu Wanita PKR Youth chief Yuslaini Azmi questioned the radio silence of Higher Education Minister Datuk Noraini Ahmad and Education Minister Datuk Mohd Radzi Md Jidin on the two deaths.

She said the ministers should be proactive in addressing the burden of online learning.

“One of the main problems is poor internet connectivity. The two ministers should work with the communications and multimedia minister to ensure students get good connection.

“The government should also provide free laptops and tablets to students in the B40 category, as well as psychological help.

“If this is not addressed, more students will see their mental health deteriorate. We do not want ministers in name only, who have no initiative to address these issues.”

UiTM student Muhammad Adham Hazim Mohd Rizaini, who died on Saturday, was said to have crawled to his parents’ bedroom asking for help before he was rushed to hospital.

His father, Mohd Rizaini Ghazali, 51, said the loss of his second of five children was a complete shock, as he did not suffer from any illness.

“Only a few days ago, he complained of a headache... at about 5am yesterday (Saturday), Abang Ngah (as Adham Hazim was fondly called) crawled into our room.

“He complained about his splitting headache, and asked me and my wife (Ros Fazilah Salleh, 46) to take him to hospital.

“We had to ask for help from neighbours to rush him to hospital,” he was quoted as saying by Bernama.

Rizaini said the doctor informed him that the computed tomography scan showed two ruptured blood vessels in the back and on top of his son’s head, causing bleeding.

He said his son often slept late to complete assignments and make preparations for the final exam, which is just two weeks away.

UiTM had yesterday conveyed its condolences to the families of two of its students who died recently, reported Bernama. The students were from its Kedah and Pahang branches.

Nurul Natasya Ezreen Azemi, 22, was pursuing a diploma in office management and technology at the Management and Business Faculty at UiTM Kedah, while Adham Hazim was pursuing a diploma in civil engineering at the Civil Engineering Faculty at the Pahang branch.

UiTM Corporate Communications Department in a statement yesterday hoped that the families of the students will be given strength and patience in facing this difficult time.

It said the university has always been involved in ensuring students’ convenience and welfare are met under the open distance learning sessions.

“Students who require devices and internet facilities will be assisted, and are welcomed to stay at the college or rented accommodation near the campus.”

On assessment and evaluation, UiTM and lecturers have given early notification regarding important assignment dates under the study plan of each course to students at the beginning of the semester, read the statement.

The Academic Affairs Division, under its “prihatin” initiative, has already extended assessment and evaluation activities until August during the final evaluation week.

The Student Affairs Division and Counselling Unit are also ready to assist students in providing advice and assistance while undergoing e-learning during the pandemic.

“Students are encouraged to discuss with lecturers, academic advisers or heads of programme to resolve any issue related to assessment and evaluation schedules.” – The Vibes, July 12, 2021