Student group calls for lower public university fees as classes go online

A student group is urging the Higher Education Ministry to reduce tuition fees in public universities as almost all students are taking online classes without using the infrastructure of universities.

The National Muslim Students Association (PKPIM) called on the ministry to come out with a policy to reduce the tuition fees in all public universities.

"Based on the latest developments, the majority of public and private universities are handling their academic programmes online in response to new normal due to Covid-19 pandemic.

"This proposal has factored in that almost all students take classes via their own (online) facilities without involving any infrastructure nor the facilities of universities," said PKPIM president Ahmad Farhan Rosli in a statement.

"While PKPIM understands that every university has the freedom to make its decision, online teaching is being conducted in almost all public and private universities.

"As such, it is reasonable for the ministry to place a policy to reduce this session's tuition fees for all public universities," he said.

Ahmad Farhan also urged the government to continue providing subsidies to the public universities to ensure fees are not increased for the new 2020/2021 intake.

He pointed out the majority of the students come from the low- and middle-income families that have been affected by economic uncertainties as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

"This is meant to ensure the educational opportunities are not affected and remain affordable to those who come from low- and middle-income families during this tough time," he said.

Similar sentiments were made by students of private universities and colleges last month as reported by the New Straits Times which reported that students were largely not using the public infrastructure of universities and colleges.

Several countries such as Thailand had reduced public university tuition fees during the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to a crisis assessment study conducted by the Penang Institute, the ongoing pandemic would affect both private and public universities in Malaysia.

The pandemic could be catastrophic for private universities and colleges which largely depend on tuition fees to stay afloat.

The looming economic recession would impact the latest intake as some students may not be able to afford the tuition fees. - Mkini