KOTA KINABALU: Some 6,796 students may have to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Kaamatan away from home, since the state government has decided to put on hold their return flights to Sabah following inadequate quarantine centres.
State Education and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob said the existing quarantine centres provided by the government would not be able to accommodate the returning students if they are asked to undergo isolation.
"The quarantine centres are expected to be crowded and will not be able to house large number of students as well as members of the public at one time. The state government is not going to place students at uncomfortable premises.
"Following this constraint, it is decided that (students) return flights to Sabah beginning today are postponed, and will be rescheduled to another time to allow proper planning on quarantine centres," he said in a statement.
Dr Yusof stressed that the state government through his ministry had discussed with the Higher Education Ministry on plans to bring back students in time for the celebration, adding that the state had also agreed to finance half of the flight cost.
He, however, said since Hari Raya celebration is just around the corner, the likelihood of the returning students to celebrate at quarantine centres was high.
"Therefore, it is best for these students to celebrate Raya with their friends at campus and in a more comfortable condition.
"Students are also advised to remain at their respective campus if their lectures begin soon to avoid any problem of returning to campus," he said, adding priority would be given to those who would undergo practical training in Sabah.
While the state government supported the flight cost of students to Sabah, it would not bear the flights of returning students to Sarawak and Peninsular.