UMS student who loses arms, legs determined to continue her study

29 Aug 2023 08:22pm

Dayangku Siti Mashitah lost both her arms and legs continue to receive treatments and is cared for by her parents in HQEI, Kota Kinabalu.

KOTA KINABALU - The world of a Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) student came crashing down when she awoke after a coma with lost both arms and legs.

The incident happened to Dayangku Siti Mashitah Awangku Sulaiman, 22, who was trapped in a coma for almost a month after suffering a bacterial infection due to a complication with her appendix.

This, however did not break the spirit of the Mashitah, who despite circumstances, decided to continue her education and intended to continue her studies that were delayed for two months.

"I'm high spirited as my parents were always by my side and always motivating me.

"When I woke up from my coma, I saw they were there and at the time I realised my arms and legs were gone. I'm grateful as that's Allah's plan and I only want to live in the moment.

"I want to continue my education until I succeed through whatever means," she said when met by reporters at the Queen Elizabeth I Hospital (HQEI) here on Sunday.

Dayangku Siti Mashitah said to realise her dreams, she hoped to get the facilities that were suited for her.

"I understand there are advanced facilities for individuals like me. I hope to get those facilities when I'm ready to continue my studies.

"I may not be able to leave the hospital for another two weeks. I'm excited to start my studies online soon," the year two International Relations major said.

Her father Awangku Sulaiman Awangku Hamid, 54, said he only worked as a fisherman and could not afford such facilities for his child.

"We welcome contributions, especially from a counseling standpoint and if we were given the facilities for her studies we would be grateful," he said.

Contributions can be made through Dayangku Siti Mashitah's mother Samariah @ Lizah Binti Matnor's Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) 1210041100144570 account or contact directly through 014-3271496.

Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Mohammad Yusof Apdal in a visit said the ministry with UMS would see the best methods to ease her studies to ensure she could continue.

"The presence of the Higher Education Ministry was a sign of support for the student and family as well as the commitment and continuous care from the ministry towards the welfare and safety of students," he said when handing aid to the Student Welfare Foundation (YKS) to the heirs of the students.