It said such measures include the reduction of fees at public universities and additional government subsidies to universities to assist with management costs through special temporary grants.

The government, it said, should also provide more grants for digital infrastructure expansion at all 20 public universities to ensure uninterrupted online learning during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The committee also takes note of calls by students from private universities (IPTS) for their fees to be reduced during this period when they are forced to learn online,” it said in a statement today.

The committee said it empathised with private university management, where most were going through an economic crisis due to the low intake of new students, especially those from overseas, who had been a major source of income.

It suggested that the government provide fee subsidies for students from B40 and M40 families, to ensure a balance between the sustainability of private universities and the struggles faced by their students.

“The committee also proposes tax incentives for private universities based on the amount of scholarships given to students in need, as well as fee reductions to local students,” it said.

Those who signed the statement included former education minister Maszlee Malik (who is part of the committee although he is now an independent MP) and his former deputy, Teo Nie Ching.

Many student bodies have been pressuring university managements to cut tuition fees, arguing that students are now forced to learn online and not using any university facilities.