PENANG, 22 February 2013 - Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) students were generally happy and determined to take advantage of the 1Malaysia Book Voucher (BB1M).

Nur Mardhiah Nordin, a first year Social Sciences student, said that the BB1M indirectly helps to alleviate the needs of the students to pursue knowledge such as through the purchase of books.

She said it was not just alleviating the financial burden of the students but also provided a new platform to enable students to appreciate the contribution of the government in providing the best facilities to students at different levels of education.

 

“Of course, I am thankful to the government and will use this assistance prudently for my studies,” she said.

Her coursemate, Gu Chuan Chiew, said that BB1M showed that the government is helping to improve the facilities for the students, especially for the purchase of educational materials.

“I hope that everyone can use BB1M prudently and buy whatever is essential for academic use,” said the Management student.

Kavita Doraisamy, majoring in Arts and Education, said that she would use BB1M to buy books needed for her field of studies.

“At least with BB1M I can save some pocket money and use the RM250 voucher to buy a variety of reference materials,” she said.

All the students above were met shortly after the BB1M ceremony officiated by the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop here recently.

He said in his speech that giving BB1M shows the government's sincerity and commitment in helping the students to finance their studies.

He said that the government’s contribution is expected to ease the financial burden of students and inspire them to continue to be vigilant in seeking knowledge and build a brighter future.

“We hope that the students will be able to use this assistance prudently and the government is always going to improve its performance in steering the future of the country by the development of outstanding human capital,” he said.

Also present at the ceremony were the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dato’ Omar Osman and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Development), Prof. Adnan Hussein. - Text: Marziana Mohamed Alias / Photo: Mohd Fairus Md. Isa/Translation: Tan Ewe Hoe