The government is prepared to activate an evacuation plan for Malaysian students pursuing their studies in West Asia should the current situation in the region require immediate action.
Deputy Higher Education Minister Adam Adli Abdul Halim said the contingency plan had already been prepared earlier and can be implemented at any time depending on developments on the ground.
He explained that the Ministry of Higher Education is closely monitoring the situation together with the Foreign Affairs Ministry through Wisma Putra to ensure the safety of Malaysians abroad, including students studying in the affected countries.
“Malaysian students in the countries concerned have already been identified and contacted through Malaysian representatives overseas to provide advice and guidance should relocation become necessary.
“Parents who wish to obtain the latest updates regarding their children can check with Wisma Putra,” he said when met after attending an iftar event with the Deputy Minister of Higher Education here on Saturday.
Adam Adli said the ministry has identified approximately 1,762 Malaysian students currently in Jordan, followed by Saudi Arabia (135), the United Arab Emirates (21), Kuwait (9), Iran (6) and Qatar (3).
The government continues to prioritise the safety and welfare of Malaysian students abroad, particularly in regions experiencing geopolitical tension, while ensuring that appropriate assistance can be mobilised swiftly if required.
Meanwhile, he advised students who have recently received offers to pursue their studies at universities in West Asia to postpone their travel temporarily due to the current situation, which remains uncertain.
According to him, disruptions to flights to several countries in the region have also affected travel arrangements and movements to those destinations.
“For students planning to travel there, particularly those who have just received their offers or are about to begin their studies, the situation is not yet conducive.
“The safest step at this time is to postpone travel temporarily and remain in contact with their respective universities and the Ministry of Higher Education for the latest updates,” he added.
