PETALING JAYA: Students of higher learning institutes such as public universities, polytechnic, community colleges and private education institutions will be allowed to return to their campuses in phases, starting March 1.

       Senior Minister (Defence) Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said in a statement Wednesday (Feb 9) that the decision was made at the Covid-19 Quartet Ministers’ Meeting on Tuesday (Feb 8) following a proposal from the Higher Education Ministry (KPT).

       "After taking into consideration the views and recommendations of the Health Ministry, I am pleased to announce that the government has agreed to allow the entry of students of tertiary education institutes under the Higher Education Ministry in phases from March 1, 2022," he said.

       However, in line with efforts to Reopen Safely, the Higher Education and Health ministries have outlined a few Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) which institutes would have to adhere to.

       Institutes would be allowed to accept students at 70-100% capacity.

       Students and staff who have been fully vaccinated or partially vaccinated were allowed to be on-site at the campus.

       "However, students and staff who have not been fully vaccinated, will have to undergo RT-PCR test and the result must be negative three days prior to entering the campus," he said.

       Those who were not fully vaccinated would be required to take weekly Covid-19 tests using rapid test kits.

       As for existing and new international students, only those who had been fully vaccinated would be permitted entry into Malaysia.

       They would, however, be subjected to seven-day quarantine, while the quarantine period for those who had received their booster shots was five days.

       Institutes were required to have enough capacity to accommodate attendees of physical lessons, he said while adding that hybrid and online classes were also allowed.

       "Sports and leisure activities must be in compliance with the SOP laid down by MOH.

       "Students returning to campuses must also continue to comply with general SOP such as wearing face masks, physical distancing and personal hygiene," he said.

       Parents, guardians and students could also extend their queries to the Higher Education Ministry’s Covid-19 helpline at 03-8870 6777 / 6949 / 6623 / 6628 or they could get in touch with the coordinators of their respective institutes.