We need to ensure the safety of international students

By Datuk Parmjit Singh

 

MAPCU welcomes the announcement by the Inspector-General of Police, Datuk Seri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani on the directive to prevent police officers and personnel from conducting random checks on foreigners, as reported in several newspapers and media portals on May 7, 2021.

We do not support the presence of any non-genuine ‘students’ who must not be allowed in Malaysia.

Nevertheless, this announcement will provide great comfort and relief to the thousands of bona fide students in the country. These students have been accustomed to regular random checks and in many cases, unnecessary detention as the police then seek verification on their Immigration status despite having valid student Visas and ID cards issued by immigration.

As a result of this, students lament having to move around almost in constant fear of being stopped, unsure if they were genuine policemen. This had also resulted in tremendous anxiety and worry among their parents back home and has also affected Malaysia’s reputation as a favoured international destination for education.

MAPCU also hopes that other enforcement agencies would take the cue from this very positive move to ensure that our genuine and bona fide international students – as residents in the country for three to four years – continue to enjoy their learning and living experience in Malaysia and take backstories of a friendly, welcoming country that truly embraces diversity.

We look forward to a close working relationship between the higher education sector and the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) as well as other enforcement agencies towards ensuring the safety and security of our international students & also eliminating the presence of non-genuine ‘students’. – May 8, 2021

 

Datuk Parmjit Singh is the president of the Malaysian Association of Private Colleges & Universities (MAPCU).

The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.

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