On 31 January 2021, the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) released an updated announcement on students returning to higher education institutions in Malaysia. To review the current challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic for students and the institutions, an engagement session involving the Student Representative Council, higher education institutions representatives, the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH), health experts, and the National Security Council was held. It was found that most students preferred teaching and learning sessions to be conducted online.
As a result of this engagement session, the National Security Council has consented to six categories of students to return to campus from 1 March 2021 onwards for a combination of face-to-face and online sessions.
The six essential student categories are:
- Students pursuing a course at certificate, diploma, bachelor degree or postgraduate level whose classes involve practical, laboratory, clinical, studio, workshop or special equipment.
- Students who have no access to online learning, or do not have a conducive environment to participate in online learning.
- Students of foundation (or equivalent) and diploma programmes who are already on campus can continue hybrid learning.
- All international students (new and those already on campus) except those from the UK.
- Students with special needs (OKU)
- Students sitting for the Malaysia University English Test (MUET), international exams or exams conducted by professional bodies.
Students not in the essential categories above will continue with online learning from home.
Students in the essential categories travelling from peninsular Malaysia to Sabah and Sarawak
Students in the essential categories travelling from peninsular Malaysia to Sabah and Sarawak must undergo a swab test (MOH will bear the cost of the test).
Students arriving in Sarawak must undergo a 14-day quarantine before they’re allowed to go to campus. From 1 March 2021, the cost of quarantine will be paid for by the Sarawak state government.
Students in the essential categories travelling from Sabah and Sarawak to peninsular Malaysia
Students in the essential categories travelling from Sabah and Sarawak to peninsular Malaysia will be placed at a quarantine centre determined by the respective higher education institutions to ensure that the students do not have any Covid-19 symptoms.
Students are also advised to refer to the respective SOPs of the Sabah and Sarawak state governments.
For more information, students can contact the MOH hotline (24 hours): 03-8870 6777/ 6949/ 6623/ 6628 or call their respective institutions.