KOTA KINABALU: University students are hoping to get clearer directives for their return to campus next month.
Suara Mahasiswa president Mohd Izzat Dahelan said the recent announcement on the extension of the Movement Control Order (MCO) has raised concerns among students.
"The announcement has raised concerns as it might affect the status of students returning to their campuses in early March.
"We demand an assurance on the allowance to return to prevent (a recurrence of a previous incident of students left stranded after the government's abrupt announcement)," he said in a joint statement with 12 student-related associations in the country.
Mohd Izzat added that an assurance is crucial in order that students do not incur unnecessary losses in returning to universities, such as flight tickets and house rental fees.
He said the Higher Education Ministry should issue a consistent circular on the exact dates for them to return for the new semester.
"By doing so, students can be more ready to prepare the money for their flight tickets.
"We do not want a last minute decision on announcing the dates as it will affect students' preparations," he added.
The spokesperson also said he hopes that the relevant ministries would work with airlines and transport companies to provide affordable rates for students.
Mohd Izzat said students are also among those economically affected by to the Covid-19 pandemic and flooding in several states.
It is the same with the compulsory Covid-19 swab tests which he said should be borne by the government.
Meanwhile, he said student representative councils should be involved in discussions related to the standard operating procedures (SOP) with the Higher Education Ministry and universities.
"This is to ensure that all SOPs are set not only from the perspective of the ministry but also of students, who will be directly affected by any decision."