THE rent and daily expenses of government-sponsored students who have graduated and are stranded abroad due to the Covid-19 crisis will be paid for by Putrajaya, said Ismail Sabri Yaakob today.

The defence minister said the government will assist these graduates through its higher education sponsorship programmes.

“Parents of students who have graduated but can’t fly home due to (travel) restrictions in some countries have expressed worry, and I have taken note of the matter.

“The government has agreed to pay for their rental and daily expenses through their scholarship programmes, such as from Petronas, JPA (Public Service Department), Mara or KPT (Higher Education Ministry).

“Parents need not worry because the government, through these agencies, will help graduates who can’t return home.”

Ismail Sabri previously said more than 3,000 Malaysians were stranded in 60 countries, while some 2,000 had been brought home.

Over the last few days, citizens were evacuated from India and Egypt.

Ismail Sabri had also advised Malaysians, including students, stranded overseas to contact the nearest Malaysian consulate for assistance. – April 3, 2020.