The Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) is actively monitoring the safety of Malaysian students in Middle Eastern countries by coordinating with the Foreign Ministry amid rising security concerns in the region [1, 2, 3]. Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir cited a recent US travel advisory urging citizens to leave the area, noting that "the United States' foreign policy is constantly changing" and the ministry will "take every necessary precaution" to ensure students' safety [1].
On August 3, after the closing ceremony of the International Charisma Programme: Malaysia Madani Nationhood 2026, Dr Zambry outlined MOHE's plans to monitor students studying in West Asia [1, 2, 3]. The programme, held in cooperation with the Malaysia Nationhood Academy (AKM), involved 456 Malaysian students who will start their studies in Egypt, Jordan, and Morocco on September 1 [1, 2, 3].
Thousands of Malaysians currently study in Egypt, while Jordan hosts between 1,000 and 2,000 Malaysian students. Morocco's student numbers are smaller but growing steadily [1, 2, 3]. Despite the lack of an Education Malaysia office in Morocco, the ministry coordinates with its Egypt office to support Moroccan-based students. Dr Zambry remarked, "Although we do not have an Education Malaysia office in Morocco, matters relating to students there are coordinated through our office in Egypt" [3]. Education Malaysia offices in Egypt and Jordan stand ready to assist students as needed [1, 3].
So far, MOHE has received no reports that the situation in these countries has directly affected Malaysian students, but the ministry is prepared to take immediate action if circumstances change [1, 2, 3]. The AKM programme also gave students briefings and opportunities to interact directly with officials to ensure their welfare before departure [1, 2, 3].
The next key date is September 1, when the 456 students are set to begin their studies in Egypt, Jordan, and Morocco [1, 2, 3]. MOHE will continue close monitoring as the security situation evolves.
