KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 19 — Universiti Malaysia (UM) has implemented various measures to help students deal with fee-related issues following the initiation of the Zero Balance Policy, which began in 2021.
According to its statement, UM has acknowledged several concerns raised by students, especially the Universiti Malaya Student Union (KMUM), regarding the policy’s implementation.
It said the policy would be implemented with specific guidelines. Sponsored students with outstanding debts can still register for the upcoming semester, but it remains the student’s responsibility to ensure that the sponsor settles the dues.
“Therefore, they can contact the UM Treasury Department for sponsorship fee and registration issues,” the statement said adding that the university found that less than four percent of students may be affected because they didn’t update their sponsorship status, have sponsorship or educational assistance, or genuinely need financial aid.
The statement also said the Student Affairs Division (BHEP) will handle financial assistance appeals, based on eligibility.
Students in this category are also allowed to register and must pay the outstanding fees before the seventh week of the academic session for Semester 1, 2023/2024.
“The university administration assures that all applications and appeals received will be reviewed and processed immediately,” added the statement.
It said UM saw a rising trend in student debts, amounting to RM51.20 million as of June 30, 2023, compared to Dec 31, 2022 (RM47.33 million).
“The university believes given the mentioned provisions, the implementation of this policy will not impose a burden on students and able to help UM address debt of students,” the statement added.
