KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 558 Palestinian students are currently pursuing their studies at public universities in the country as of September last year, the Dewan Rakyat heard.
Deputy Higher Education Minister Adam Adli Abdul Halim said that Malaysia remains consistent in its support and solidarity for the Palestinian people, and the government will ensure that Palestinian students in Malaysia will be able to pursue their studies without disruption, in line with humanitarian principles.
"As of Sept 30, 2025, a total of 558 Palestinian students were pursuing their studies at public universities in the country," he told Pang Hok Liong (PH-Labis) during Question Time.
Pang had asked the Higher Education Ministry to state, with regard to government sponsorship of Palestinian students studying at local public universities and the total number of Palestinian students currently studying at our public universities.
He also wanted to know the total amount of tuition fees and costs borne by the government.
Adam Adli said with regard to the costs incurred, the government, through collaboration between the Higher Education Ministry and Wisma Putra, implemented a special one-off assistance initiative in 2024, pursuant to the Cabinet decision dated Nov 24, 2023.
"The assistance was channelled through the Palestinian Humanitarian Trust Fund Account (Aakrp) managed by the Foreign Ministry, which comprises contributions from the corporate sector and members of the public," he said.
As of Dec 31, 2024, a total of 375 active Palestinian students at Malaysian higher education institutions received assistance amounting to RM4.3mil, covering tuition fees and living expenses, he said.
"The disbursement was made in accordance with guidelines set by Higher Education Ministry, namely the Guidelines and Terms for the Disbursement of Living Assistance to Palestinian Citizen Students at Public Universities.
"For clarification, this fund constitutes a special initiative to alleviate the burden of students directly affected by the conflict, and does not represent full government sponsorship for all Palestinian students at public universities," he explained.
The government, added Adam Adli, will continue to ensure that all approved assistance is disbursed in a transparent and accountable manner, grounded in humanitarian principles, consistent with Malaysia’s commitment to universal justice and our position as a nation that upholds education as a bridge to peace and development.
