KUALA LUMPUR: The process of sending all stranded Universiti Malaya students back to their hometowns is expected to be completed at the latest by the end of this week.
Universiti Malaya Vice-Chancellor Datuk Dr Abdul Rahim Hashim said arrangements to send the students home had been finalised and the university had about 200 students who have filled up applications to return to their hometowns.
"The first batch will leave tomorrow (Monday), and we will find out if there are more students who wish to go back to their hometowns, such as those living outside campuses.
"We expect them to be sent home at the latest by the end of this week, if not sooner, because all the students have been here for a month now.
"They told me that they can't wait to go home.
"We will do everything we can so they can be with their families soon," he told the New Straits Times.
Yesterday, the Higher Education Ministry said all students stranded on campus since the Movement Control Order (MCO) took effect on March 18 would be sent home in stages starting today, except for those living in red and yellow zones.
Higher Education Minister Datuk Dr Noraini Ahmad said only students of public and private higher learning institutions, polytechnics and community colleges in green zones were allowed to return to their homes, which also need to be in green zones.
Rahim said Universiti Malaya would ensure that its students travel only to green zones.
"We will keep ourselves updated with yellow and red zones list. Our Students Affairs Department is doing the necessary," he said.
In Johor, Berita Harian reported that about 2,000 Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) students from its Parit Raja and Pagoh campuses are expected to travel to their hometowns starting today.
Vice-Chancellor (student affairs and alumni) Dr Afandi Ahmad said only a small portion of UTHM students have chosen to stay on campus.
"We distributed a questionnaire on April 9 to students at both campuses, including those staying outside and those doing their industrial training, to determine how many want to return home and how many want to stay.
"Those who wish to drive home on their own must follow the rules provided by the ministry, where you are not allowed to travel interstate and only the driver is allowed in the car.
"For students travelling to Sabah or Sarawak, buses will be provided to send them to the (Johor Baru) airport," he said.
It was reported that some 53,000 students, or 85 per cent, were expected to return to their hometowns, while the remaining 15 per cent have decided to stay put at their universities, polytechnics and community colleges.
For inquiries, students and parents can contact the ministry via its hotline at 03-8870 6777/ 6949/6628.