PETALING JAYA: The Higher Education Ministry has instructed all public universities to offer flexibility in registration processes for students affected by the flood disaster in Sabah and Sarawak.
Its minister, Zambry Abdul Kadir, urged affected students to contact their respective universities to inform them of their situation.
“The universities will assist and provide sufficient leeway to ensure that no student misses the opportunity to further their studies,” he said in a Facebook post on Thursday (Sept 18).
He also reassured students, future undergraduates, and parents facing flood-related challenges – especially those preparing to register for public universities soon – to not worry or feel anxious.
Zambry said the ministry, together with the Malaysian Universities Volunteer Council (MASKUM) and public university volunteer teams, will be mobilised to support relief efforts in the affected areas – from logistics and community assistance to post-flood recovery.
“Let’s all pray that the floods will recede soon, and the safety of the victims are guaranteed, and that the recovery process will run smoothly,” he said.
Bad weather since Sept 8 has triggered widespread flooding in six districts in Sabah, with Penampang among the worst hit by floods and landslides.
Meanwhile, the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) warned that weather conditions may worsen in October as the country transitions from the southwest to the northeast monsoon.
The Sabah State Disaster Management Committee (JPBN) reported that, as of Sept 18 evening, 3,325 people from 964 families had been evacuated to 27 PPS in Membakut, Penampang, Papar, Putatan and Sipitang, and to a permanent relief centre in Beaufort.
Landslides in Sabah have claimed 13 lives, with one fatality reported from floods.
