KOTA KINABALU, MALAYSIA: A distance learning programme has been specially created to help a 22-year-old rape victim continue with her university education at University Malaysia Sabah.

UMS vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Kamaruzaman Ampon said the student who was abducted, attacked and raped outside the campus here in April can continue her studies through the programme from her home in Sarawak.

"We tried to help her register elsewhere but she wants to continue with us. She is a strong girl," he said, adding that the second year student had already registered for the programme to study from home.

Following the abduction, assault and rape by two men near a supermarket close to the UMS campus here, the girl has since returned to her hometown to be with her family.

Kamarulzaman said he was informed that the girl had taken time off with her family and had gone to Australia.

"I have been made to understand that she has since recovered from physical wounds," he said, explaining that anyone in her situation would take a long time to overcome the mental and emotional scars from such an incident.

Her two local assailants were sentenced to nearly 35 years' jail for multiple charges involving rape, assault and car thefts after they pleaded guilty following their arrests within 24 hours after the April 15 rape case.

Kamaruzaman said that since the incident, the university had been impressing on the students to pay more attention on their personal safety, especially when outside the campus.