Noraini apologises for students' hardship, urges varsities to help them

 

Higher Education Minister Noraini Ahmad has apologised over the inconvenience faced by parents and students by a last-minute decision to postpone the orientation for fresh public university students due to a resurgence of Covid-19 cases.

Many students, some ferried by parents, have travelled long distances for the first day of university only to find out at the 11th hour that the enrolment and orientation process had been cancelled.

The orientation was set to start today but the Higher Education Ministry's advisory was only issued yesterday.

"I take note of the plight of students and their family following the universities' decision to postpone physical registration.

"I would like to apologise for all the inconvenience and hope we can work together to curb the spread of Covid-19," Noraini said in a statement on Facebook today.

Noraini said in line with the granting of autonomy to public universities, her ministry played an advisory role.

"The rise in Covid-19 cases was beyond expectations. The ministry discussed with the management of all public universities, National Security Council and Health Ministry which is the main agency managing the pandemic," she said.

Noraini urged public universities to accommodate students who need help.

"I hope the public universities can be reasonable and considerate in managing all issues arising from the postponement.

"For students who have arrived, they can remain on campus and await further instructions from the university.

"To students who are still at home, I request that they postpone their travel to the university," she added.

The abrupt decision had also caused confusion, with some public universities turning students away even though the ministry had said students who have arrived may remain on campus.

On social media, a picture involving Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) was circulated, showing a notice at the guardhouse barring students from entering.

However, UiTM vice-chancellor Mohd Azraai Kassim was quoted by Astro Awani as saying that such incidents were a misunderstanding.

Yesterday, the country recorded 287 Covid-19 cases, a new record high since the start of the pandemic in the country.

The country has been hit by a third wave of cases, many of which were traced back to Sabah where several outbreaks had taken place.

Political leaders and activists had been in Sabah for the state election which took place on Sept 26.

Many returned to the peninsula after the election but brought with them the coronavirus, sparking new outbreaks in several other states. - Mkini