Universities As Catalysts For Post-flood Recovery Efforts - UniMAP VC

ARAU, Jan 2 (Bernama) -- Malaysian universities can leverage their expertise to assist communities affected by floods, playing a critical role as catalysts in post-disaster recovery efforts, said Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Ts Dr Zaliman Sauli.

He said that the recent floods, which struck several states, have affected infrastructures and profoundly impacted people's lives.

"As the waters recede, the extent of the damage is revealed as homes, schools, mosques, kindergartens, and priceless belongings are destroyed. Amid this hardship, Malaysia's universities have stepped forward, offering hope. 

"Universities are no longer just educational institutions but are also taking on a larger social responsibility to benefit communities directly," he said in a statement here today.

He said UniMAP itself has shown extraordinary commitment to assisting flood-hit communities, with involvement from highly skilled academic staff and researchers across various fields.

"…this initiative is part of our 'UniMAP for Society' vision, which stresses the university's role as a bridge between knowledge and the community's needs. The expertise and knowledge available at universities must be fully utilised to support communities, especially in the aftermath of disasters.

"The assistance provided includes help with electrical, electronic, mechanical and civil engineering aspects, such as repairing damaged electronics, rewiring homes, and fixing furniture," he said.

Zaliman also noted that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged all sectors to support communities affected by natural disasters.

"The Prime Minister emphasised that the spirit of cooperation among the government, institutions and the public is crucial in ensuring a smooth recovery process. This has been echoed by the Higher Education Minister, who stated that universities must be agents of social change, providing quality education and contributing to community development.

"One of the best examples of this commitment is the collaboration between UniMAP and Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM). Both institutions have joined hands in post-flood relief efforts in Kedah to carry out repairs on various public facilities in Jitra," he said.

Zaliman further explained that such collaborations speed up recovery and demonstrate how cooperation between universities can have a significant impact.

"It shows that various institutions' combined expertise and resources can solve problems more efficiently and comprehensively. The academic staff, researchers, and students involved also benefit from the experience gained.

"Initiatives like these bring a new dimension to the relationship between universities and communities through knowledge, technology, and human resource sharing. It proves that universities are not just places of learning but institutions that understand and care about local needs," he said.

He added that efforts by these universities prove that higher education institutions can be a driving force for change when facing major challenges like natural disasters.

-- BERNAMA