She said the sudden decision was due to the spike in Covid-19 cases.

“I hope we can curb the spread of Covid-19 together,” she added in a statement today.

Noraini said students who had already arrived at their respective campuses can stay there pending further instructions from their universities.

She told those who have yet to make their journey to their campuses to postpone their trips.

Noraini said the increase in Covid-19 cases was unexpected. The ministry had to discuss the matter with all administrators of higher learning institutions (IPT), the National Security Council (MKT) and the health ministry, as the main agencies in the management of the pandemic.

“I acknowledge the complaints and concerns of students and their families following the decision by the IPTs to postpone physical registration.

“I hope IPTs can exercise their discretion and can be considerate and reasonable in managing all the matters in relation to this postponement,” she said.

Social media has been full of complaints from students and their parents over the late notice on the cancellation of the physical or in-person registration.

Many were worried as out-station students who had travelled to their respective universities may not have enough money to either return home or wait for further instructions.