Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), through its Corporate Communication Centre (PKK), reached out to the rural community in Kampung Sayap, Kota Belud, by distributing 60 food aid baskets to single mothers, bedridden elderly, and people with disabilities.

Dr. Jakaria Dasan, Director of PKK UMS, explained that the visit aimed not only to provide assistance but also to promote education-based tourism and engage in activities with the local community. He emphasized that under the leadership of UMS Vice Chancellor, Professor Dr. Kasim Mansor, the university encourages its staff to actively engage with communities and share knowledge that is relevant and beneficial to them.

“The outreach efforts in rural areas like Kampung Sayap are designed to enhance the understanding of the Komuniti Madani concept among UMS staff,” he said. “In Kampung Sayap, the community displays the core values of Komuniti Madani, with strong associations working together to advance the development of their village.”

Among the activities conducted by PKK UMS staff alongside the community were making roofs using coconut leaves for the Pondok Malius at Puncak Gloria, pounding and sieving rice, and creating beadwork crafts.

Dr. Jakaria further mentioned that PKK UMS plays a crucial role in organizing official university events and managing public relations and publicity through media partnerships. “Visiting Kampung Sayap and interacting with its residents has been a valuable and impactful experience for PKK staff,” he said. “Programs like this allow our staff to enhance their communication skills with communities outside the university.”

Aming Gamburus, Chairman of the Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) of Kampung Sayap, expressed gratitude for UMS’s continued commitment to community service programs in their village. “We are fortunate that UMS consistently chooses Kampung Sayap for their outreach programs,” he said. “This connection ensures that those of us living in rural areas do not feel left out of the progress. The ongoing presence of UMS motivates the children in our village to aim high in their education and pursue university degrees, especially at UMS.”

During the visit, PKK UMS also conducted a session titled ‘What is a Scam?’ to raise awareness among the Kampung Sayap community about the dangers of scams, which often target the elderly and rural populations.