KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian students studying at universities in China can now return to campus life.
The Chinese Embassy here announced on its website yesterday that beginning this Wednesday, those who carry valid Chinese residence permits for study can re-enter the country.
Otherwise, the students will have to apply for new visas, it added.
Currently, over 6,700 Malaysian students at higher learning institutions throughout China are taking online classes.
A batch of 150 students returned to their respective campuses after landing in Shanghai on Aug 8. They underwent the mandatory quarantine period.
The Malaysian Ambassador to China, Raja Datuk Nushirwan Zainal Abidin, said the governments of both nations had been cooperating well in assisting the students to resume physical classes.
He welcomed the move, saying that enjoying campus life, participating in activities and interacting directly with fellow university mates and lecturers would help students perform and add colour to their school days.
Since China closed its borders for the control and prevention of Covid-19 in early 2020, Malaysian students – who had then returned to Malaysia for the winter holiday and Chinese New Year break – have not been able to go back for classes.
Some of them, particularly those who needed to use laboratory and sports facilities, have dropped out.
As for the new intakes, these undergraduates have not set foot at their respective universities.
Meanwhile, businessmen with valid Apec (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) Business Travel Cards are also allowed to enter China from Aug 24 onwards.
