MALAYSIAN STUDENTS IN U.S. ARE VIRUS-FREE

Embassy says two Malaysians under quarantine after they were exposed to an infected person

NO Malaysian students in the United States have been reported to contract Covid-19, said the Malaysian embassy in Washington, DC.

The embassy said two Malaysian students in the country were undergoing self-quarantine due to possible exposure to a faculty member, who was found to be Covid-19-positive.

It said Education Malaysia, the Public Service Department (PSD) and Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) in Washington, DC, have been communicating with Malaysian students on the virus and had provided guidance depending on the states they were in.

“They were advised to abide by the measures and recommendations set by the local authorities.

“Education Malaysia is working with a Malaysian student body in the US, the National Assembly of Malaysian Students in America (Namsa), to monitor students’ wellbeing and provide assistance and advice where necessary.”

Education Malaysia in Washington, DC, said several Malaysian students had contacted it about accommodation and they had conveyed that they preferred to stay with their friends (offcampus) for the time being.

There are 7,709 Malaysian students in the US, which include 260 PSD-sponsored students and 57 Mara-sponsored students.

The embassy said students were advised to postpone or cancel non-essential travel plans and activities that involve mass public gatherings.

It added that PSD-sponsored students were required to obtain approval from PSD headquarters before travelling abroad.

“They are required to inform their sponsors if they are unwell and to obtain medical assistance.”

The embassy said many educational institutions in the US had switched to online classes to minimise physical interaction.

It said students were advised to follow their university’s instructions and safety precautions.