KOTA KINABALU:
Universiti Malaysia Sabah is making efforts to increase security measures for the safety of its students. The assurance came from UMS Vice Chancellor Datuk Dr Mohd Noh Dalimin yesterday in the wake of a case involving a 22-year-old second year Degree in Education student, who was abducted while walking to a church in Kingfishers, two days ago. “We are very concerned with the case, especially as it involves one of our students. We are making every effort to increase security, but unfortunately, we cannot monitor them 24 hours. “In fact, recently, we had a meeting among all universities in the country following a case where the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s bus was hijacked last year ... it had raised concern among the public on the safety of the students, especially the girls, and we are taking this matter very seriously,” he said when contacted by The Borneo Post, yesterday. Mohd Noh however said the latest case had also caught them off guard. “Students who live in the hostel are allowed to carry out their personal things before the closing time at 10pm. “They are allowed to dine outside, go to church or clinic, or deal with their personal matters just as long as they return to the hostel by or before 10pm. “In this case, the victim had gone out to church with a group of friends, it is normal especially with the examination approaching. They were walking and she was left a bit behind from the rest of the people,” said Mohd Noh. An eyewitness saw the victim being forced into the car at around 7pm. “One of our students, who happened to be riding motorcycle at the area, became a hero when he managed to jot down the car number. A report was lodged immediately and all information was passed to the Police,” he said. Mohd Noh congratulated the Police for their swift action. “Our only advice to all students is to walk ma group and avoid dark places. Do not leave anyone behind as it would only invite danger ... this is a sad incident and should not have happened, it was a misfortune,” he said. Mohd Noh said the victim’s family had been notified and it was learnt that they had arrived here yesterday afternoon from Sarawak.
