SINTOK: The announcement made by the Minister of Transport, Mr. Anthony Loke, regarding the frequency of domestic flights in conjunction with the Eid al-Fitr festival made all students across the country happy, particularly the students at Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM).
According to UUM Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Mohd Fo’ad Sakdan, the increase in flight frequency and fares, which are not expected to burden students, will undoubtedly provide students with the opportunity to return home to celebrate with their families.
“During the course of my meeting with UUM student leaders for the ‘Jelajah Moreh’ series, they brought up the topic of public transportation fares during the holiday season and the steps that UUM has taken to lower those fares.
“I am confident that with the flight capacity that will be increased, the ticket price will of course decrease because the seat capacity will also increase,” he said when asked to comment on the statement made by the transport minister in connection with the Eid al-Fitr festival that was announced recently.
Prof. Dr Mohd Fo’ad hoped that UUM students would take advantage of the holiday to travel back to their hometowns and celebrate the Eid al-Fitr festival with their families.
Meanwhile, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni), Prof. Dr. Ahmad Martadha Mohamed said the approval of domestic flights by the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom), as informed to the Ministry of Transport in the Cabinet meeting, has provided a measure of relief to students at this campus.
“The arrival of Syawal is undoubtedly anticipated by family members because this is the time when they are able to congregate and celebrate this glorious day, meanwhile students who do not go home will celebrate with the campus community,” he explained.
He also cautioned students who will be travelling back to their homes for the festival in either public or private vehicles to always be mindful and obey the speed limit that had been set.
Mr. Muhammad Izuan Faiz Abdul Rahman, the President of the UUM Student Representative Council (SRC), said that the news was long-awaited and that it made the students on this campus happy.
“I suggest my fellow students use this golden opportunity announced by the Ministry of Transport to celebrate Eid al-Fitr festival with their families,” he said.
Mr. Muhammad Izuan also cautioned his friends who will be driving themselves home for the festival to always prioritise safety and stay within the speed limit.
“I would like to remind my friends who travel by public transportation to exercise caution and double check both the departure date and time,” he said.
Translated by Mahaliza Mahadhir (mahaliza@uum.edu.my)
