Students are to remain at their respective universities - Ismail Sabri

All students of public and private higher education institutions (IPT) who are still on campus are not allowed to return to their homes or villages, the government has decided today.

Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, however, explained that their welfare as well as their food and drinks would still be taken care of and fully borne by the government.

"Yesterday I mentioned that we have heard the views of the Ministry of Health (MOH), the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) and so on, so we decided that students at universities or IPTS should stay on their campus.

"Their welfare, food and drinks will continue to be taken care of by the government," he said at a press conference here on Monday.

He said the government had to make that decision following fears of a new COVID-19 cluster in the event of a mass movement involving the students.

"So, I hope that the things I have just mentioned will not be raised again. All these decisions are to ensure that our efforts to break the chain of infection and contain the COVID-19 succeed.

"We do not want mass movements that would make it difficult for the police to guard (security). This large movement, if allowed, may become the new cluster of COVID-19," he added.

At the same time, Ismail Sabri hoped that all students would accept the decision in the interest of all Malaysians.

"I hope the people and students understand this because it is to protect their interests, their families and the community around them," he said.