KUALA LUMPUR: University students, having been stranded in their campuses since the Movement Control Order (MCO) was implemented, are eagerly awaiting the release of guidelines from their respective institutions so that they can go home.
Even those whose homes fall into the 'red zones' are maintaining a positive outlook.
Aidil Abd Razak, a student of Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Shah Alam, has his heart set on returning home to Johor Baru, despite the city being categorised as a red zone by the Health Ministry.
The 22-year-old has chosen to adopt an optimistic outlook on his prospects of finally going home, despite the government's ruling that only those who homes were in green zones would be allowed to leave.
"I understand that I will need to undergo Covid-19 screening and that the SOP will only allow students whose hometowns are in green zones to go home.
"That's alright but I really hope that I can make it home for Hari Raya.
"There is also an online form which the students are required to fill. They have to tick a box whether they'll be staying in campus or heading home. I have ticked the 'going home' box," the journalism student said.
Aidil said as the travel time would begin on Monday (April 27) between 9pm and 9am, he has his bags packed already.
He said he was told that UiTM was preparing guidelines for students who will be remaining on campus throughout the MCO.
Meanwhile, Maizatul Aqlamalieza Mohd Salehuddin, 24, said she would be staying put at her Universiti Malaya (UM) residential college as both her university and hometown are classified as red zones.
The third-year Southeast Asian Studies student said she was relieved to know that the government was allowing students to return home.
However, she is resigned to the fact that she won't be among those allowed to leave just yet.
"My parents are relieved to know that the government is allowing students to go home but unfortunately like my case, even my university is still under the red zone.
"My hometown, Jasin, Melaka, is also a red zone area. My parents understand and told me to take care; they miss me a lot.
"I have mixed feelings about it. I am sad at not being able to go home but am also glad because I can focus on my studies when I am here since our classes are still being held online," she said.
Maizatul said there are about 500 students left in UM. She said they are not allowed to head out even for groceries.
"If I really need to buy things, I can ask a student union representative who has been given a permission slip by the authorities to help out.
"The university is also supplying us with meals for sahur and iftar during the fasting months, so it's not all bad," she said.
A student from the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), who wanted to remain anonymous, said the university will be issuing the guidelines to assist those returning home this weekend.
Yesterday, Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced that the government would allow university students stranded on campuses nationwide to return to their hometowns, following the extension of the MCO to May 12.
Ismail Sabri said those travelling home via bus would have to go through Covid-19 screening before boarding the vehicles and will be provided with face masks and food.
Those traveling in their own vehicles would require approval first.
Students returning to Sabah and Sarawak will have their flights paid for by the government, with cooperation from state governments.