Kota bharu: More than 1,000 students from Kelantan currently pursuing their studies in the Middle East are safe and continuing their education as usual despite the conflict in the region, says State Education, Higher Education, Green Technology, Digital and Innovation Committee chairman Datuk Wan Roslan Wan Hamat. He said the state government remained in constant contact with the embassies to ensure the students' safety.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the state government has been proactive in advising students to adhere to instructions issued by the embassies. More than 200 Kelantan students are studying in Jordan, while over 800 are in Egypt. Classes are proceeding as usual, and all students are complying well with the instructions issued. Datuk Wan Roslan shared these updates with reporters after the state executive council meeting at the Kota Darul Naim Complex.

He also advised parents to maintain communication with the embassies and welfare officers on duty in the region to obtain the latest updates. Wan Roslan stated there are no current plans to repatriate the students, as the situation remains under control. He expressed hope for a swift resolution to the conflict, allowing students to continue their studies without disruption.

In addition to addressing the safety of students abroad, Wan Roslan announced that applications for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) 2025 Student Excellence Award would be open from April 9 to April 19, 2026. Eligible students can obtain application forms at the Kelantan Islamic Foundation office or through its official website.

The initiative aims to provide encouragement and motivation for students to pursue academic excellence. The state government views investment in education as crucial for the development of the 'ummah' and fostering a more progressive and competitive state.

Wan Roslan elaborated that last year, a total of 1,200 students from SPM, Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM), and Sijil Tinggi Agama Malaysia (STAM) qualified for RM500 contributions. The number of qualifying students is expected to increase this year, including those from rural areas, with the total allocation estimated not to exceed RM1 million.