Kota Kinabalu: Over 180,000 communities in Sabah have benefitted from 1,577 volunteer projects initiated by university students from public and private universities, teacher training institutes, polytechnics, and community colleges.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang highlighted that this year marks the ninth year of the Yayasan Sukarelawan Siswa's involvement in these projects, with 28 missions since 2015, engaging 793 students across 50 locations in Sabah. During the closing ceremony of MADANI in Service: Uni Students Volunteer Mission to Sabah at the Sabah Youth and Sports Complex, Aaron Ago mentioned that the volunteers would be appointed as unity agents. This role aims to enhance the spirit of togetherness, foster tolerance, and encourage active community participation towards building a united and harmonious nation.

Aaron Ago elaborated that the current year's volunteer mission, conducted from April 12 to 30, involved 100 students assigned to seven areas. These areas included Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Banggi and Kampung Loktohog in Kudat, Kampung Ongkilan in Kota Marudu, Kampung Mangkulat in Kota Belud, Kampung Lohan in Ranau, Kampung Kipouvo in Penampang, and Kampung Merotai Besar in Kalabakan. Among the projects was the construction of a 200-meter covered pedestrian and wheelchair walkway for special program students at Sekolah Kebangsaan Loktohog in Banggi Kudat. The project, costing RM20,000, is set to benefit 108 students, significantly reducing the cost compared to a tender priced at RM118,000, which included logistics to Pulau Banggi.

In SK Merotai Besar, Tawau, an additional dining area was renovated to benefit 1,060 pupils at a cost of RM75,000, markedly lower than the estimated RM200,000 cost via tender, Aaron noted. He emphasized that student volunteer missions are crucial as they provide a platform for national integration, allowing students from various backgrounds to unite for a common purpose.