STUDENTS of higher learning institutions (IPT) will be allowed to return to campus in stages beginning October 15, Higher Education Minister Dr Noraini Ahmad said today.

However, she said the permission was only given to fully vaccinated students in all categories and involved all phases of the National Recovery Plan.

She said the process will also be carried out in compliance with the standard operating procedure (SOP) of the higher education sector.

Noraini also said only fully vaccinated academic and non-academic staff would be allowed on campus.

“This will create a safe social community as well as a phase 4 of recovery plan environment on campus. Strict SOP must be complied with to manage staff and student movement,” she said a virtual press conference today.

Noraini said most of the total 1.2 million IPT students have undergone online teaching and learning (PdP) for more than three consecutive semesters due to the Covid-19 pandemic where the safety aspect in the operation of IPTs was paramount.

She said the decision to allow students to return to campus was made after taking into account the views of the National Security Council (MKN), Health Ministry (MOH), IPT management, representatives of private higher learning institutions (IPTS) as well as IPT student unions and associations.

Noraini also announced a 20% fee reduction to all Malaysian students at public universities for the first semester of the 2021/2022 academic session, which will benefit 555,340 students through an initiative worth RM175 million. – Bernama, September 14, 2021.

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