Students of public (IPTA) and private institutions of higher learning (IPTS), polytechnics and community colleges will begin the process of returning home in stages beginning on Monday.

According to the Minister of Higher Education, Datuk Dr Noraini Ahmad, only students returning home from the green zone were allowed this time.

"Students at the IPTA and IPTS, Polytechnic and Community College will begin the process of returning to their hometowns in stages beginning Monday, April 27, 2020 except from the red and yellow zones.

"Only students in the green zone are allowed to return home, which is also in the green zone.

“Careful preparations are underway to send students in collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MOH), National Security Council (MKN), National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) and the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM)," she said in a press statement today.

Dr Noraini said the ministry had provided transportation services to bring students from the identified institutions of higher learning to their destination.

As for the safety and health aspects, she said it was her top priority. Thus, each transportation service will be accompanied by a liaison officer with a complete list of students.

"Additionally, symptom screening (body temperature, sore throat, cough, colds and shortness of breath) will be conducted by the MOH and the University Health Center (PKU) before the students begin their movement.

"Students are reminded to always maintain social distancing, to wear face masks throughout the journey and to practice hygiene by using hand sanitizer," she added.

Any questions regarding the guidelines to parents and students can be directed to the KPT Operations Room hotline at ‪03-8870‬ 6777/6949/6628/6623/6124.