Depreciated ringgit can attract more foreign students to Malaysia - Idris

The ringgit depreciation will make Malaysia an interesting destination for foreign students to pursue their studies here, says Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh.

He said the ringgit's depreciation as against the American dollar should not be seen solely from a negative viewpoint as it also had a positive aspect.

"When the ringgit falls, it will make the cost of studying in Malaysia cheaper.

"This is because foreigners will be interested to study in Malaysia as not only the cost (of studies) is cheaper but the courses offered are of quality," he told reporters after launching the 'Higher Education Week 2015' (HEWM 2015) here today.

On Malaysian students studying overseas, Idris said the government would ensure they were not burdened by the Malaysian currency depreciation.

On Aug 11, Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz was reported saying the depreciated ringgit was good for Malaysia's tourism industry.

He said this was because the weak ringgit would encourage foreign tourists to spend more money in Malaysia, while locals would prefer to holiday locally.

On the HEWM 2015, Idris said it was a platform for the public to find out more about higher education in Malaysia, as well as introduce to the public innovations and produce by local institutes of higher learning.

The first-ever HEWM 2015 is held for four days.