Happy, relieved, grateful. These were the emotions the university students from the central zone who arrived in Penang early this morning had after they were allowed to return to their hometowns.
They also expressed their thanks to all the parties concerned especially the government, the Higher Education Ministry, the Royal Malaysia Police, the Fire and Rescue Department and other bodies which helped in sending them back to their hometowns after they were stranded on campus due to the imposition of the Movement Control Order (MCO).
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) student, Mohd Alif Fitri Mohd Sultan, 21, said he was relieved and happy when the bus which took him and his friends arrived at the Timur Laut District Police Headquarters (IPD), and he was thankful that he finally got to be with his parents and other family members.
"Alhamdulillah, we have arrived safely, there are no words to describe how happy and relieved we are at being able to go home after more than a month in the university college. I could not sleep during the journey back and I kept praying that we would arrive quickly...I miss my family, the last time I came home was in February.
“We are grateful to the government for its concern for the students who were stranded and who arranged for us to go home. All the parties who were involved (in sending us back home) did a good job,” he told reporters after arriving at the Timur Laut IPD here at 4.30 a.m.
Meanwhile, Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia student, Ibrahim Abdullah Md Harashid, 22, said he had been waiting for a long time to go home but could not do so due to the MCO.
He said he had not seen his family for three months and was so happy to be home as he could now fast and spend Hari Raya Aidilfitri with his family in their home in Batu Uban here.
His father, Md Harashid Harun, said the family missed Ibrahim Abdullah as they had not seen him for some time when previously, he would return home every two months.
He added that during the MCO, the family would call Ibrahim Abdullah every day to find out the developments in the university.
Meanwhile, Bukit Aman Crime Prevention and Community Safety Department director, Datuk Zainal Abidin Kasim who accompanied the bus which brought the students back from Kuala Lumpur to Penang said the journey was smooth and all the students are now safe with their families.
“We (police) will speed up and improve as the process of bringing back the students will be until May 10. We expect there will more students on April 29,” he said.
Earlier, Penang Police Chief, Datuk Sahabudin Abd Manan said, 201 students from the central zone were allowed to return to their homes in Penang early this morning, with five drop-off points at the IPD, district offices and polytechnic.
He said 59 arrived at the Seberang Perai Utara District Office, Seberang Perai Tengah District Office, IPD Timur Laut, Politeknik Balik Pulau and Seberang Perai Selatan IPD. - BERNAMA
Bernama
Tue Apr 28 2020
Most of the students had been waiting for a long time to go home but could not do so due to the Movement Control Order.
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.