STUDENTS confined to their university or college campus will not be allowed to leave if the movement control order (MCO) is extended, Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said today.

The same standard operating procedures as announced for students when the MCO began a month ago will be maintained, he added.

“For students in colleges and universities, the SOP will still be maintained.

“They will still have to stay on campus or their residences and food will be provided,” he said at the daily press briefing on Covid-19 security issues.

He is responding to appeals by parents to let their children return home if the MCO is extended.

Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin is due to make a televised address this afternoon on the MCO ahead of its expiry date next Tuesday.

Last month, the Higher Education Ministry said students at public universities and private higher learning institutes must remain on campus during the MCO.

“All students, including international ones, must stay at their college hostels and rented or private accommodation even if they have bought tickets to return home.

“The students are not allowed to go back to their respective homes or countries during the MCO period and must report to their respective university or college administrations.”

The institutions are be responsible for every students’ basic needs, security and welfare during this time.

Malaysia has recorded 67 deaths with two new fatalities as of yesterday.

The country yesterday had 109 new infections, bring the total to 4,228. – April 10, 2020.