KOTA KINABALU, The contribution from Sabah Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin has made it possible for two underprivileged students to pursue their tertiary education at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS). Crisnanalina Jumis and Nor Fasha Natashya Abdul Rahim were presented with educational assistance, including laptops, by the liaison secretary to Juhar, Datuk Mohd Rashid Mohd Tahir, during a ceremony at the university today. Also present was UMS vice-chancellor Datuk Dr Kasim Mansor. Crisnanalina, 20, from the rural district of Paitan, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to Juhar, the community and everyone involved in helping her pursue her Bachelor's degree in Forestry. 'Initially, I wanted to decline the offer for further studies and continue working part-time at a restaurant, but my aunt informed me that help was available. I'm truly grateful and will not waste this opportunity,' she told reporters after the ceremony. She added that the assistance was crucial for her university enrollment, as her parents -- a farmer and a homemaker -- could not afford the educational costs. Nor Fasha Natashya, 20, said she almost turned down her acceptance offer due to her family's financial constraints, but she felt extremely grateful after finding out about the aid. 'I'm the fourth of eight siblings. My father has passed away and my mother is unemployed. Our family depends entirely on welfare support,' said the student, who is pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Medicine. With the assistance she received, Nor Fasha Natashya is determined to study hard and strive towards becoming a doctor in order to improve her family's future. Source: BERNAMA News Agency