The Malaysian government announced on 28 October 2020, that Malaysian students can now travel out of Malaysia to begin or resume their international education. The Senior Minister, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yakob stated that this decision is applicable to new students and students who returned to Malaysia at the start of Covid-19 and who now wish to continue their studies abroad.
Students traveling abroad will need to provide a letter of proof for the Immigration Department. The letter of proof should include details of students' study schedules such as start of classes/semester from the education institutions that students are joining. The letters of proof can also include other relevant official documents from universities.
Source: Putrajaya says Malaysia students can return abroad for studies
Commentary by Saman Imtiaz, Head of International Education Services Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore:
This is much welcome news, as there were concerns among students and parents about the ability of students to travel out of Malaysia for international study due to the recent reinstatement of the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) in some states in Malaysia.
Today’s statement has clarified that students can travel out of the country to join their universities.
This is good news for all offer holders who were planning to travel to join UK campuses.
In addition, the government has announced that parents may accompany new students to ensure they are settled in comfortably. This facilitation will go a long way in increasing confidence in international studies at this time. This will also contribute to alleviating parents’ concerns regarding well-being of their children at campuses around the world.
Institutions should be aware that students may contact them to request support in putting together the letter of proof.