Kuala lumpur: About 50,000 students from private tahfiz and pondok institutions will benefit from opportunities to further their studies at public institutions of higher learning (IPTA) in selected programmes. Deputy Higher Education Minister Adam Adli Abd Halim announced this development following the cabinet's recent decision regarding entry pathways for students graduating outside the national education system, including those from tahfiz schools, private schools, and Chinese Independent High Schools (SMPC)/Unified Examination Certificate (UEC).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, although some tahfiz students who sat for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) or Sijil Tinggi Agama Malaysia (STAM) examinations had already continued their studies at IPTA, the latest decision marks the most significant expansion for students from the religious stream. Adam Adli highlighted that for private pondok graduates, approximately 50,000 individuals would be given the opportunity to further their studies at public universities, while graduates from Chinese Independent High Schools (SMPC)/UEC number fewer than 9,000.

Adam Adli emphasized that the ministry hoped the cabinet's decision would not be politicised, stressing the government's openness to views from various parties on the matter. He urged for a measured response, advocating for broader discussions that consider diverse perspectives.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Minister noted that many issues and views shared by students at institutions of higher learning (IPT) in the northern region would receive attention from the Higher Education Ministry (KPT) through the Tesis Northern Zone Programme. This programme serves as a platform for dialogue, addressing concerns related to welfare, academics, career pathways, the economy, and current issues in the education sector. Adam Adli assured that nearly all concerns raised would be escalated to the ministry level, particularly those impacted by the ongoing economic crisis.