By: Khairul Anuar Muhamad Noh
Photo By: Marina Ismail
SERDANG, May 5, 2020 - Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) collaborates with six central zone public universities to manage the movement of students from seven public universities in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya to several southern regions in Negeri Sembilan, Melaka and Johor involving 240 students which started at 10 pm tonight.
In addition to UPM, the movement of 2,122 students was held at the same time in six other central zone universities, namely UIAM, UiTM, UKM, UM, UPNM and UTM KL.
Out of a total of 240 students at UPM transfer location, 176 were UPM students, and the rest were students from UIAM, UiTM, UKM, UM, UPNM and UTM KL.
The movement was held in accordance with the standard operating procedure (S.O.P) set by the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) and the National Security Council in collaboration with the Royal Malaysia Police.
Higher Education Minister, Datuk Dr Noraini Ahmad, was pleased with the smooth process during the evening which was fully managed by Universiti Putra Malaysia.
"Thanks to the efforts of UPM Vice-Chancellor, Prof Datin Paduka Setia Dato 'Dr. Aini Ideris and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni), Prof. Dr. Mohd Roslan Sulaiman in making sure the process proceeded smoothly", she said.
“I pray for the safety of all students on the 14 buses travelling to 11 locations of the district police headquarters (IPDs) in Negeri Sembilan, three in Malacca and five in Johor. When these students arrived at their respective IPDs, they will be sent home, ”said Dr Noraini, who oversaw the returning process of students from seven public universities here.
Also present with the Minister were UPM Vice-Chancellor, Prof Datin Paduka Setia Dato 'Dr. Aini Ideris, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni), Prof. Dr. Mohd Roslan Sulaiman and Director of the Office of Occupational Safety and Health Management, Dr. Mohd Rafee Baharudin.
On May 2, UPM hosted the returning process for students from public and private higher education institutions (Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya) to several locations in Perak zone involving 1,876 students.
Datuk Dr Noraini said if students are still unable to return to their hometowns due to the red zone status, every higher education institution is expected to continue to look after the welfare of the students, and MOHE would arrange a return trip when the zone has changed status.
"Upon arrival at hometowns, students should always practise a high level of personal hygiene, ensure social distancing, and are encouraged to use face masks, practise habits to prevent infection, avoid any form of assembly and ensure healthy eating," she said. - UPM
