Former sports and youth minister Syed Saddiq had recently passed on several suggestions to the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), urging them to not announce the SOPs at the very last minute as the proposed return for university students in October was coming up.
In a virtual press conference yesterday, Minister of Higher Education (MoHE) Datuk Seri Noraini Ahmad announced that campus classes will resume in stages from 15 October for university students and staff who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19.
She added that the reopening of campuses applies to all tertiary education institutions in all states regardless of which phase of the National Recovery Plan they are at respectively. “University students only need to obtain permits from the police, and permission or offer letters from their respective institutions to travel to their campus,” she said.
Additionally, Noraini also announced a 20 per cent discount on fees for all local students enrolling in all public universities for the 2021/2022 Semester One session.
“This measure is set to benefit 555,340 students, with the initiative worth RM175 million, under the MoHE Prihatin initiative and principles of Keluarga Malaysia.”
Regarding travel, Noraini said that students can opt to travel back in private vehicles, be dropped off by their parents who must also be fully vaccinated, carpool with fully immunised individuals, or through air travel.
She also mentioned that students who are unable to return to their campuses for various reasons can still choose to attend online and hybrid lessons.
Students and varsity staff who have yet to receive their first vaccine doses can do so at any walk-in vaccination centre (PPV) encouraged Noraini.
“All you need to do is present your student ID or staff ID, or relevant identification like your IC or passport to be given the vaccines at these PPVs.”
She advised all universities to ensure compliance with existing SOPs when welcoming back students and that universities should draft their own set of regulations to ensure a safe environment within the campus. “Universities are also encouraged to provide students with Covid-19 self-test kits upon arriving on campus,” she said.
In terms of international students, Noraini said approval has been given to only those who fall into one of three categories provided they fulfil the conditions imposed.
The three categories are citizens of the United Kingdom, those who are enrolled or looking to take up courses in Mobility and Edu-tourism or those looking to relocate to Malaysia along with their families.
“Those looking to enter the country must register themselves with the Education Malaysia Global Services before permission to travel here by the Immigration Department can be issued,” she added,
“They will also need to undergo an RT-PCR swab test three days before entering the country, undergo a health screening and quarantine at designated isolation centres upon arrival here.”
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Also Read: “No more last minute SOPs for uni students”, Syed Saddiq Gives 4 Suggestions To MOHE
