PETALING JAYA: Evacuation plans are in place for 14 Malaysian students studying at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) if it is deemed necessary amid ongoing wildfires in the state, says the Higher Education Ministry.
The ministry, through the Education Malaysia Los Angeles (EMLA) office, said 14 Malaysian UCLA students had been identified as at risk as the campus is near the ongoing wildfires.
It said plans to evacuate the students to nearby officers' homes are in place, in collaboration with the Consulate General office in Los Angeles.
"The Consulate General has agreed to provide assistance and implement the evacuation plan if deemed necessary; however no evacuation order has been issued by UCLA for its affected students.
"As of today, the students are still in good condition and will remain in their residences until any further instructions are received," it said in a statement on Sunday (Jan 12).
It also advised students to contact the Education Malaysia Los Angeles office at (626) 879-4923 or email emla@mohe.gov.my immediately for further details and actions if any situation arises.
The ministry also called on all Malaysian students abroad to update their personal and academic information in the ministry's MyData@EducationMalaysia4U system so it has access to accurate data access in case of emergencies.
Multiple wildfires across Los Angeles since Jan 7 have resulted in 16 deaths so far as thousands of acres of neighbourhoods and property have been lost to the flames.
Firefighters have been working tirelessly since to contain the wildfires as strong winds could push fires toward the J. Paul Getty Museum and UCLA.
