This was confirmed by higher education director-general Husaini Omar after a circular on the matter went viral on social media today.

When contacted by Bernama, he said the letter had been distributed to all public and private IPTs, including polytechnic and community college education departments, for further action.

“The letter is to inform all IPTs to give their students leave to cast their votes based on Undi18. A media statement regarding this matter will be issued later,” he said.

According to the letter dated Oct 21, the five-day leave from Nov 17 to 21, is to give students enough time to travel to their constituencies and return.

The letter also stated that all classes and student activities during that period should be postponed to another date.

Undi18 refers to a new law that came into force last December, making all Malaysians aged 18 and above eligible to vote without having to register with the Election Commission (EC).

GE15 will take place on Nov 19, with nomination day on Nov 5 and early voting set for Nov 15.