UNIVERSITY students, who have been staying on campus for more than a month, will be sent home Monday onwards, said Senior Minister Ismail Sabri Yaacob.

He, however, said only students whose family homes are in green zones will be allowed to return.

Areas with 41 Covid-19 cases and more are marked as red zones, 20-40 (orange), below 20 (yellow) while green zones are free of infections.

Ismail, who is also defence minister, said the decision to allow students to return to green zones was made this morning at the National Security Council meeting.

“The students will be picked up by buses and will travel between 9pm and 9am to avoid rush hour traffic.

“They, however, will have to undergo screening before the boarding the buses. Only 20 students are allowed in one bus.”

Yesterday, Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin in a live telecast said Putrajaya would allow students stranded in campuses to return home.

He added the government would work on the method to get the students home, taking into consideration the Health Ministry’s advice.

On March 18, the Higher Education Ministry said students at public universities (UA) and private higher learning institutes (IPTS) must remain on campus during the movement control order period.

Ismail today said it is estimated the balik kampung mass movement will involve 53,000 students.

He added the government will be paying the transportation fees.

“From their campus, they will be sent to their districts and will be dropped off at a police station or district office. From there, the frontline workers will send them home.”

Meanwhile, students who will drive on their own, Ismail said they will not be allowed to cross state lines.

“For those who will be driving, they cannot cross the border between states. For example, if you study in Selangor, you can return to your family living in Selangor.

“You must also notify the police before travelling and you must not have passengers with you.”

The MCO has been extended until May 12.

Muhyiddin last night said that the government would continue to evaluate the latest Health Ministry data when deciding further action.

This includes the easing of restrictions, and coming up with short- and long-term economic recovery plans.

“The MCO measures must continue until a time we are completely confident that we have stopped the coronavirus.

“Therefore, the MCO that is due to end on April 28 will be extended by another two weeks.” – April 24, 2020.