The Ministry of Higher Education (KPT) has agreed with the government's decision for the 80,000 students at public and private institutions of higher learning (IPT) to remain at their respective locations throughout the period of the Movement Control Order (MCO).

In a statement, the ministry said the initial proposal to send the students home needed to be reconsidered.

“This proposal still needs to be refined with the advice and recommendations of the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the National Security Council (MKN) as well as the latest directives issued from time to time.

"This suggestion was made in light of the fact that the mass movement of students will carry the risk of a spike in COVID-19 cases, which is now beginning to show signs of decline," the statement said.

The ministry is convinced that the affected students also understood that the government was facing a tough time in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The government also appreciates the sacrifices and solidarity showed by the students in combating the outbreak.

"What is needed at this moment is a little patience to stay on campus until the efforts to break the COVID-19 chain is successfully implemented," the statement added.

At the same time, the students were encouraged to continue to make good use of their leisure time by pursuing various activities that would benefit them throughout the MCO period.

"Various activities can be undertaken to help improve academic performance such as online learning, exploring the use of the latest technology in learning, expanding the professional network within LinkedIn and the Research Gate community and more," he said.

Earlier, KPT minister, Datuk Noraini Ahmad, was reported to have said that she would look into the best way to send the IPT students home following the extension of the MCO.

Director-General of Health, Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah, however, advised the KPT to be patient for at least two more weeks before making the decision for fear the mass movement would be detrimental in trying to break the infection chain.