NSC's order to go home sparks mass student exodus

KUALA LUMPUR (March 13): The movement control order that came into force at midnight caused many Malaysians to take part in a mass exodus before the order took force, undoing efforts to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus, Malaysiakini reported today.

The report said among those who took part in the migrations were university students following instructions by the National Security Council to go back home.

"All public and private higher learning institute students are ordered to return to their own residences throughout the restriction of movement order period," said the first iteration of the set of frequently asked questions (FAQ) released by the National Security Council around 2pm yesterday.

It added that foreign students were advised to return to their home countries.

According to Malaysiakini, within an hour, social media was abuzz with reports that students were among the throngs of people at the Southern Integrated Terminal (TBS) in Bandar Tasik Selatan, waiting for buses to go back to their respective hometowns.

This was against the advice by the government for people not to gather in groups of more than 50.

Experts have lamented that the exodus yesterday would lead to an increase in COVID-19 cases.

"I am sure my friends in the (Health Ministry) are knocking their heads on the wall," tweeted respiratory physician Dr Helmy Haja Mydin last night.

"Numbers will escalate. Exponentially. Time to prepare for a bed crisis and for more deaths," he added.

Despite the public health risk posed by sending university students home, it would be hours before authorities reacted, Malaysiakini said.

At 5.30pm, Higher Education Minister Noraini Ahmad posted on her personal Facebook page, urging students not be in a hurry to go home.

"Being in a rush to go back may make matters worse and students will be more exposed to the pandemic if they do not go through close monitoring," she said.

Noraini (above) also urged universities to provide temporary accommodation to students who face difficulties in returning to their hometowns and to ensure that they have access to cafeteria food.

According to Malaysiakini, the NSC revised its policy for students later at 7.30pm.

"Students have a choice to return to their place or country of origin or to remain in campus," the new FAQ read.

Malaysiakini also reported that Noraini was heavily criticised by netizens for the government's slow reaction in curbing students from unnecessary travel, by which time many said it was already too late.

Taking to Twitter at 10.20pm, Noraini defended herself on the criticisms.

"Many have tweeted at me asking why directives were late.

"The truth is, in situations like this, all orders come from the NSC. Ministers, except the Health Ministry, (are told) to avoid issuing statements so the people don't get confused by various statements," Noraini said.

The restriction of movement order will be in force until March 31.

Only essential public and private venues will remain open, including supermarkets and convenience stores.

Two people have died from COVID-19 in Malaysia, with the number of infections at 673.

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