THE National Security Council has agreed to allow six categories of students in higher learning institutions to return to their respective campuses beginning March 1.

The Higher Education Ministry said these six categories include certificate, diploma, bachelor’s degree and postgraduate students who need to conduct clinical and practical work requiring laboratories, workshops, design studios and special equipment.

Also allowed are students who do not have access, those without conducive environments to undergo teaching and learning online, existing and new international students except those from the United Kingdom, disabled students, and students taking the Malaysia University English Test and international as well as professional examinations.

“Pre-universities and diploma students who have been staying in-campus can continue their teaching and learning sessions on a hybrid basis.

“Students who are not in these categories will continue their studies online,” KPT said in a statement today.

Meanwhile, students from the peninsula who are allowed to return to campuses in Sabah and Sarawak must undergo swab tests, the cost of which will be borne by the Health Ministry.

“For students who arrive in Sarawak, they are required to undergo a 14-day quarantine before being allowed to return to their campus,” it said.

Students from Sabah and Sarawak will be placed in their respective isolation centres to ensure they are free from Covid-19.

Further information on student admissions can be obtained by contacting the ministry Covid-19 operations room, which is open 24 hours, at 03-8870 6777/6949/6623/6124, or by visiting the high learning institute’s website or contacting the respective institute directly. – Bernama, January 31, 2021.