UMS student's gunny sack sparks online buzz

1 October 2024

KOTA KINABALU: Rafida Saiddin, a 19-year-old student from Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), has garnered widespread attention online after arriving on campus for registration day with a rather unconventional choice of luggage—a gunny sack.

The image of Rafida’s practical packing method quickly caught the eye of both Education Minister Fadlina Sidek and Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Mustapha Sakmud, with many praising her resourcefulness.

Rafida, who earned straight As in her STPM, traveled six hours by bus from her hometown in Sandakan. She explained that her decision to use the gunny sack was not a result of financial constraints but purely out of practicality.

"UMS allows each student to bring only two pieces of luggage. I had quite a bit to pack, so using the sack seemed like the best option. I divided my belongings between my suitcase, backpack, and the sack to ensure I wouldn’t lose anything,” Rafida shared during an interview with the media at UMS, here.

The youngest of two siblings, Rafida mentioned that the sack had sentimental value, as it was previously used by her father for his business.

Her mother is a housewife, while her elder brother works as a factory operator in Selangor. Rafida is proud to be the first in her family to attend university and is determined to pursue her dream of becoming an accountant.

The story of Rafida's ingenuity not only resonated with the public but also sparked discussions about the different experiences of students starting university life, highlighting the value of adaptability and resilience.