PUTRAJAYA — The Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) will continue to closely monitor the safety of Malaysian students in West Asian countries by seeking guidance from the Foreign Ministry following the evolving security situation in the region.

Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir said MOHE has taken note of recent developments, including the United States’ travel advisory urging its citizens to leave the region, and will take all necessary precautionary measures to ensure the safety of Malaysian students.

He said MOHE relies on Wisma Putra (Foreign Ministy) as its main point of reference and will continue to seek the ministry’s guidance to ensure that the movements and welfare of Malaysian students studying in the region are closely monitored.

“In this crisis involving Iran, we know that the United States’ foreign policy is constantly changing. Today’s decision may be different tomorrow. Nevertheless, we will take every necessary precaution to ensure the whereabouts of Malaysians, particularly our students in West Asian countries, are closely monitored and that their safety is guaranteed,” he said.

He told reporters this after the closing ceremony of the International Charisma Programme: Malaysia Madani Nationhood 2026, here today.

Meanwhile, Zambry said 456 Malaysian students scheduled to pursue their studies in Egypt, Jordan and Morocco from Sept 1 had participated in the International Charisma Programme organised byMOHE in collaboration with the Malaysia Nationhood Academy (AKM).

He said MOHE had not received any information indicating that the situation in Egypt, Jordan or Morocco had affected Malaysian students, but the ministry stood ready to take immediate action should there be any developments.

He said the AKM programme provided students with the opportunity to receive briefings, obtain guidance and interact directly with ministry officials, while ensuring their welfare continued to be safeguarded.