Question marks over directive suspending e-learning at universities

The government has reportedly issued a directive suspending all teaching activities including online classes at public and private universities.

PETALING JAYA: Institutes of higher education have raised questions over a directive for the suspension of online classes at both public and private varsities in the wake of the government’s movement control order to curb the spread of Covid-19.

Inti said the directive for the suspension of all teaching activities was issued late last night.

“Following this directive, all online classes will be suspended starting from 12pm on March 18 until further notice,” it said in a statement.

It added that it was seeking clarification from the higher education ministry on whether this also applies for programmes which are already fully online.

Checks by FMT found that Asia Pacific University and First City University College has also postponed their online classes. At Sunway University, some courses are proceeding with online classes while others have been suspended.

When contacted by FMT, a spokesman for Monash University said it was aware of an article on the directive but had not been notified directly.

“We are currently checking with the management,” she said.

FMT has contacted education director-general Habibah Abdul Rahim for a response. - FMT