KUALA LUMPUR: University students are expected to return to their respective campuses as early as March next year, said the Higher Education Ministry (KPT).
Its minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad said the matter would be brought to the attention of the National Security Council (NSC) for deliberation and approval.
"It is still being discussed. KPT has proposed for university students to go back to their campuses in March but there is no conclusion yet until the NSC agrees on this.
"We will make a presentation on this proposal to the NSC soon. When it gets the green light, we will make an official announcement," she told Berita Harian today.
The Covid-19 pandemic which led to the enforcement of the nationwide Movement Control Order in March saw students of public and private higher learning institutions switching to online learning and teaching platform (PdP).
Noraini added that the ministry was working closely with universities to strengthen its Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) as they prepare to receive students back to their campuses.
Among the suggestions, she said, was for universities to provide spaces that allow students to be separated.
"If the students are allowed to return to their campuses in the near future, hybrid classes will be conducted to eliminate any risk," she said, adding that the PdP would continue as usual in January.
Meanwhile, Universiti Putra Malaysia deputy vice-chancellor (Academic and International) Prof Dr M. Iqbal Saripan said they had begun making preparations to welcome students back if they are allowed to return in March.
Discussions on the matter, he said, had been conducted between the KPT and universities but the approval would depend on the decision by the NSC.
"From Jan 1 next year, we will continue with online classes until the end of the semester in mid-Feb. Our next plan is to allow students to enter the campus in March when the new semester starts."
Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) deputy vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Mohammad Shatar Sabran said online classes were going on as usual. This will also apply to new Diploma students who are expected to enrol in January.
He said students could attend online classes from home until the end of the semester.
"Those with poor Internet connection at home can come back to the campus and attend online classes," he said.