KUCHING: The Higher Education Ministry is closely monitoring the situation involving Malaysian students in Paris, France, and Milan, Italy, following riots in several parts of the cities.
Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir said the ministry is working closely with the Foreign Ministry to ensure the safety and welfare of all students in affected areas.
"To date, we have not received any reports of students directly involved in the incidents.
"The riots have only affected students' daily movements, particularly in commuting to campus or attending to personal matters in certain areas.
"We are monitoring developments from time to time and advise all students and Malaysians to remain vigilant and avoid riot zones," he said.
He said this when met after the handover ceremony of the Full University Status Recognition Letter to i-CATS University College at the State Legislative Assembly here today.
The letter was handed over by Higher Education director-general Professor Datuk Dr Azlinda Azman to i-CATS University College vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Mohamad Kadim Suaidi, witnessed by Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Abang Openg and Zambry.
Zambry added that safety advisories and guidelines have been issued by the respective Malaysian embassies to ensure student safety during this period.
He said should the situation worsen, the ministry is prepared to take follow-up action, including evacuating students to safer locations such as the Malaysian embassies.
On i-CATS University College officially being upgraded to a full university, Zambry said the status aligns with federal and state commitments to strengthen higher learning institutions and human capital development in Sarawak.
"The establishment of a full university is expected to expand various critical higher education programmes, particularly in high technology and engineering, to meet local industry demands.
"This rebranding and status upgrade will further strengthen Sarawak's higher education ecosystem in producing quality human capital," he said.
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