PETALING JAYA: Higher education institutions (IPT) will reopen in stages starting Oct 15, says Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad.

       The Higher Education Minister said this involves all categories of IPT students who are fully vaccinated, in all phases of the National Recovery Plan.

       "The priority will be given to students in need.

       "This decision was made during a discussion session with the National Security Council and Health Ministry as well as IPT management involving vice-chancellors, deputy vice-chancellors, private IPTs, student representative council and student union/association representatives," she said on Tuesday (Sept 14) during the announcement of the updated standard operating procedures (SOPs) for varsities.

       In a Facebook post on Sept 3, she said the move to reopen all IPT under all phases of the National Recovery Plan was in line with efforts to enable university students to return to their campus after being fully vaccinated.

       She said the matter was agreed upon during the National Security Council special meeting.