The Malaysian Insight

THE decision to postpone the admission of new and old students from Covid-19 red zones was not made in haste, said educators from higher-learning institutions.

They said universities and the Higher Education Ministry had discussed the matter thoroughly and had even informed the students to be prepared for any eventuality.

They also said there would be no issues of students dropping out or missing out on sessions as lectures will still be carried out online.

Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris Deputy Vice-Chancellor Assoc Prof Dr Md Amin Md Taff said all institutions including Upsi have been informed in advance by the ministry on the intake postponement of students from Covid-19 red zone areas. 

“The ministry has informed the institutions to be ready to postpone the admission of students who are in red zones.  

“We cannot precede the instructions of the National Security Council. In fact, we have prepared a quarantine place for students from red zones,” he said.  

Amin said the predicament of students who had bought tickets earlier, especially from Sabah, has been resolved with the help of Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia. 

“The university cannot reimburse them but with the cooperation of Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia they are willing to help our students. 

“AirAsia today agreed to a refund, while Malaysia Airlines agreed to credit, so that students can book alternate flights,” he said.  

He said there were seven students from red zones who had come to the university earlier before the announcement.  

“They should not have come but they arrived earlier. Some of them are not well off, so we will take care of their welfare by providing a special residential block. 

“Also, they do not need to go to class physically. They can attend online classes. 

“If students in red zones have difficulties with internet access, the ministry has already set up a rural internet centre. Alternatively, we will send a flash drive to them by post,” he said.  

Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Assoc Prof Dr Hendrik Lamsali said all parties need to understand, in facing the Covid-19 pandemic, many things need to change depending on the current situation.

“For example, before this we allowed students from Sabah to return to UUM but had to go through a quarantine period here. When cases are increasing there do we want to take risks? 

“Student safety and health remain our priority,” he said.

He also said they will help students who do not have internet access, learning equipment or who have already purchased flight tickets. 

“We have received a positive response from AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines. They are ready to re-credit or give open tickets. 

“For students who are in areas with limited internet access, we will help in terms of providing data plans to them.  

“Students are asked to contact us to see what help can be provided. Studies will be done online, so there is no issue of students in the red zones dropping out or being left behind,” he said. 

Five districts in the country – four in Sabah and one in Kedah – are now classified as Covid-19 red zones. 

The four in Sabah are Tawau, Lahad Datu, Kunak and Semporna, while the remaining one in Kedah is Kota Setar. 

Last Sunday, Higher Education Minister Noraini Ahmad suggested that all universities postpone the registration of new and old students from red zones, which starts in October.

The ministry proposed that the registration and learning process for the group of students be done online.

The decision was criticised by former youth and sports minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, saying the policy change at the last minute would burden the students. 

He added that the government needs to help students who have forfeited their plane tickets. 

International Islamic University Malaysia Alumni Association president, Khalek Awang, said the online learning sessions for students from red zones is appropriate to prevent the pandemic from spreading. 

“There are those who question why this order was issued in such a short time and had caused much trouble.  

“Although their (students) views are correct, worse things can occur if students from red zones are allowed to register physically on campus,” he said in a statement, adding that the safety of university staff also needs to be taken into consideration.  

University / Higher-learning Institutions Malaysia Staff Union honorary secretary Abdul Rahman Mohd Nordin said in fighting the pandemic, they have to take precautions.  

He said the ministry’s decision will reduce the risk of staff being infected.

“I strongly support the postponement, so that we can take care of the health and welfare of the staff.” – September 29, 2020.