A Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) student has sued the university for negligence over a molest case which allegedly took place on campus last November.

A report was lodged at the Seksyen 6, Shah Alam police station on the day of the alleged incident.

In January, the complainant's lawyer wrote a letter to alert the university authorities to the matter, but there has been no response.

The 21-year-old student filed a suit against the university at the Shah Alam High Court yesterday seeking general damages.

pas khalid samad pc on uitm student molested case 270509 03 The case was brought to the media's attention today by Shah Alam parliamentarian, Khalid Samad, who was approached by the complainant's mother for assistance.

"The lack of action by the university authorities is unsatisfactory. They are careless in protecting the safety of their students, especially female students," he claimed.

The point of contention, according to him, is the “nonchalant attitude” of the university in addressing the case.

Khalid also took the university to task for having taken a long time to mend the broken perimeter fence, as it had enabled outsiders to gain easy access to the hostel.

Asked if he was sure that the university authorities have failed to take the necessary action, he replied: "We are quite sure because they don't seem to be particularly impressed by our letter."

The student has been given leave by the university authorities until she recovers from the trauma.

But her lawyer, Mohamed Hanipa Maidin, said more needs to be done for her and action should be taken to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.

'Female voice, naked man'

The incident was said to have taken place in a bathroom located in the girls' hostel, Kolej Seroja.

In the police report, the complainant said she heard a knock on the door while taking a shower about 5am in the communal bathroom on Level2 of the hostel.

She heard a female voice, but saw a naked man when she opened the door.

A struggle then ensued, but the complainant managed to run out of the bathroom while screaming for help.

Her friend claimed that she saw a person running out of the bathroom wearing a pair of shorts and a black bra.

Some of the complainant’s friends came to her aid and the guard on duty was informed of the incident.

It has yet to be ascertained if the assailant was a fellow student or an outsider.

Another issue that has left the complainant riled up is the apathetic reaction of the police.

Khalid revealed that the victim was advised not to pursue the case.

“She was advised not to take further action, that these things happen and to forget the case.”

No senior officer from the legal and corporate department of the university could be reached for comment today.

An administrative staff-member from the legal department explained that it is convocation time and that most of the department heads are not available to comment on the allegations.

However UiTM vice-chancellor Prof Dr Ibrahim Abu Shah was reported in the Star online today that the matter was being handled by the university's student affairs department.