Many tertiary education students, both in private and public institutions, will be sporting huge smiles today as they begin their journey back to their hometowns.
The Muslim students will already be thinking of the 'buka puasa' (break-of-fast) meal that they will very soon be enjoying with their families as well as being able to fast together in the coming days.
The decision to allow these students who were stranded on campus following the imposition of the Movement Control Order (MCO) to travel home was announced by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin on Thursday following the drop in the number of COVID-19 cases in the country.
However, in a statement issued yesterday, Higher Education Minister Datuk Dr Noraini Ahmad said only students in green zones are allowed to return to their homes which are also in green zones.
Meanwhile, close collaboration between various agencies and the Ministry have provided transport services which will take fetch these students from the assigned departure centres in their institutions.
According to Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, this decision will affect an estimated 100,000 students.
However, those people (non students) who are stucked in their hometowns or elsewhere and want to return home will have to continue being patient.
Ismail Sabri said the dates they are allowed to travel back does not begin on May 1.
He said there was some confusion about the travel dates when the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) issued a statement that May 1 to 3 were the permitted dates.
He said the public have until May 1 to register through an appointment at the police station, and registration could also be done through the Gerak Malaysia application
So far, 300,000 have registered through the application, including 100,000 who applied to get the movement permit to travel because they were stranded in their hometowns and could not return home due to the imposition of the MCO.
Ismail Sabri said once all the data and information have been obtained from the public's applications, the National Security Council, Health Ministry and PDRM will discuss the standard operating procedure, including the travel dates.
As of noon yesterday, the number of positive COVID-19 cases in Malaysia was 5,780, with 98 deaths.
The cumulative number of recovered and discharged cases in Malaysia is 3,862, which is 66.8 per cent of the total number of cases.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Mon Apr 27 2020
Higher Education Minister Datuk Dr Noraini Ahmad said only students in green zones are allowed to return to their homes which are also in green zones. - FILEpic
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.