RANTAU PANJANG: A majority of the 221 students attending schools along the Kelantan-Thai border have refused to stay at the school's hostels as required by the Education Department.
The students, both from primary and secondary schools, claimed that they were not comfortable staying at the hostels.
Because of this, many have chosen to use the Customs, Immigration, Quarantine, and Security (ICQS) Complex starting Dec 1, even though they realise they may face some difficulties.
One of them, who only wanted to be known as Liya, said her mother told her two days ago that she needed to stay at her school's hostel starting next Sunday.
"I have never been separated from my family and have no experience staying at the hostel.
"I told my 45-year-old mother that I am willing to use the checkpoint every day as long as I can stay with her in Mundok, which is opposite Bukit Lata here," said the 14-year-old student of SMK Rantau Panjang.
She also claimed that several of her classmates who live in Sungai Golok would follow in her footsteps.
Another student, known as Arman, said his teacher had told him about the decision to allow him to stay at the school's hostel.
"I prefer to travel to school daily using the checkpoint, as I do not want to stay at the hostel.
"My parents will prepare all the documents I need before Dec 1," said the Form Three student of the same school.
Yesterday, the state Education Department identified 221 students crossing into Kelantan through illegal jetties to attend school.
He said the students, from 22 schools near the border, would be relocated to school hostels starting Dec 1.
He added that students whose families live in Thailand will stay at hostels.
If their school lacks one, they will be accommodated at another school's hostel.