The Higher Education Ministry is tracking the safety of Malaysian students in the Middle East, particularly in Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the Gulf, ahead of Eid al-Fitr celebrations.

PUTRAJAYA: The Higher Education Ministry is closely monitoring the movements of Malaysian students in the Middle East ahead of Eid al-Fitr, with particular focus on Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the Gulf countries.

Its minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir said the ministry is working closely with the Foreign Ministry to track the safety and movements of Malaysian students and citizens in the region.

“We do not have any new updates yet. Based on the briefing from the Foreign Ministry and our own monitoring, all students and Malaysians in the region are currently safe,” he told reporters after the ministry’s monthly assembly and Ramadan Ukhwah gathering.

Asked if students are expected to return home for Eid, Zambry said some usually do, but the ministry has not received specific information about their plans this year amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

“As we are aware, the movement situation in the Middle East, particularly the Gulf countries, is something we need to keep under observation.

“At the moment, we do not have reports involving Egypt, as the focus is more on the Gulf countries, Jordan, and possibly Saudi Arabia. Movement in Saudi Arabia is continuing as usual,” he added.

On Monday, Zambry confirmed that all 1,936 Malaysian students studying in the Middle East are reported safe.

The ministry’s deputy, Adam Adli Abdul Halim, also said yesterday that Malaysian students in conflict-affected areas have been advised to comply with instructions issued by authorities and to immediately report to the Malaysian embassies in their respective countries to ensure their continued safety.

The caution comes amid ongoing tensions in the region following US-Israel strikes in Iran.

 The Sun Malaysia