Students cry foul over inadequate compensation

KUALA LUMPUR: Students of a university faculty that was shut down in Petaling Jaya claimed that they were not adequately compensated as promised.

A student also claimed that an offer by the Unitar International University for those affected by the faculty closure was not on a par with what they had signed up for.

Fathiatul Hajar Mad Zaki, 19, said the courses she was offered to replace what she paid for at the Unitar Architecture and Design Faculty were cheaper and not accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency.

“Now, I have to start all over again. I have to enrol in a foundation programme at another campus before I can continue my diploma. That involves a lot of money,” she said.

Following its decision to shut down the faculty, Unitar had claimed the students and their families were compensated and offered a pathway with two other higher learning institutions.

Student Rebecca Joseph, 19, claimed that she was compensated RM1,000 despite having demanded RM7,000.

“I was told to produce receipts of expenses incurred as proof of hardship caused by the shutting down of the faculty,” she said.

In a statement, Unitar said the students were compensated and loans they took or fees they owed would be settled following the discontinuation of intake and teaching of programmes under the faculty.

The university said it would not neglect the wellbeing of students and the fair compensation was in line with market practice and it was looking for a pathway for the affected students to complete their studies.

“We arranged credit transfers to fully accredited programmes at other related institutions, such as Kuala Lumpur Metropolitan University College and UCSI University. We also provided cash aid during the transition,” Unitar said, adding that students and their families were briefed on the plans on May 16.

The faculty was closed due to low student intake for programmes at its campus in Petaling Jaya.