More Stringent Measures For Foreign Students In Face Of Extremist Activities

(photo courtesy: thestar.com.my)

The Minister of Higher Education, Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh recently went on The Business Radio Station (BFM) to discuss several topics concerning higher education in Malaysia, one of which involved the international student population in the country, currently standing at a whopping 122,000 students enrolled in local universities.

A question was brought to the Minister about the recent extremist activities in Kuala Lumpur and IS’s taking responsibility of them, to which the Minister responded, “We’re looking at this seriously because it is the issue of this age. It’s a serious issue; it’s real.” In order to take action against such occurrences the Minister believed that “Islam has got to be taught in the right way, it has to be understood properly,” further explaining that the ministry is currently meeting with vice chancellors and other persons of significance to ensure not only students, but lecturers as well are informed of the right and true meanings of Islam and jihad.

A recurring issue asked of the Minister was that more often than not foreigners come into Malaysia under the guise of a student visa, while they are, in fact, not aiming to pursue legitimate study. The implementation of the Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) process, the Minister responded, is effectively working against such people, where the process enables students to be tracked easily in case of trouble with the use of a student card, etc.

During the interview, it was too revealed that Malaysia has come to be a popular destination for students, topping together with the likes of Germany with policies encouraging the internationalisation of students.

For the full interview with BFM, click here.

(cover photo courtesy: bfm.my)