COVID-19 safety concerns at the heart of KPT decision

KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Higher Education (KPT) has taken a look at seven aspects of tertiary institution (IPT) operations and determined that face-to-face learning and teaching (PdP) will not be permitted during the full lockdown (SPP) which begins tomorrow.

It a statement today it said that students should put off plans to return to campus until further notice, while those still on campus must get permission to go out from the IPT administrator and adhere to the standard operating procedure (SOP).

"Students should remain where they are and continue with online learning," it said.

It said that research activities requiring the use of a laboratory and special equipment must be approved by the department head and adhere to the SOP.

It said that off-campus students doing the aforementioned must also get an IPT entry and exit permission letter.

It said that the academic and non-academic staff must work from home and are only allowed to go into the office for work that can't be done remotely.

It said that attendance in the office must be limited to 20 per cent, four hours and essential work.

It said that meetings must be conducted online, while attendance at co-curricular activities (e.g. clubs, associations) and gatherings (e.g. religious, social) is prohibited.

It said that recreational activities must be done in an open space without physical contact and "limited to jogging and exercise with physical distancing of two - three metres in line with the current movement control order".

It said that on-campus banks, pharmacies, convenience shops, laundrettes and cafeterias are permitted to operate in line with the SOP, while the use of common facilities will be monitored.

It said that students will still be able to sit for international and professional exams as scheduled, but must adhere to the SOP.

And last but not least, international student admission is subject to the Malaysian Immigration Department (JIM) SOP.

Students can obtain more information by calling the 24-hour KPT COVID-19 Operations Room at (03) 8870 6777/6949/6623/6628, contacting the IPT directly or visiting their website.

-- BERNAMA