MELAKA, Sept 1 – Indonesia’s Education Ministry today gave the assurance that the over 6,000 Malaysian students in the republic would be safe from the threats of the anti-Malaysia movement.

Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Khaled Nordin said Indonesian Education Minister Mohammad Nuh had informed him that they were paying serious attention to the safety of Malaysian students there.

Khaled was speaking to reporters after breaking fast with the staff and students of Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM) in Durian Tunggal, near here, today.

Also present was UTeM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Ahmad Yusoff Hassan.

Khaled said at the same time, Mohammad also asked for the Malaysian government’s assurance for the safety of some 10,000 Indonesian students in this country.

He said his ministry had informed the Malaysian students in Indonesia to take precautionary measures in light of the anti-Malaysia demonstrations in the republic.

“We have told them the do’s and don’ts to avoid problems that can endanger themselves.”

Khaled said Malaysian students’ associations in Indonesia were also asked to play their role in protecting their members’ safety, and advised Malaysian parents not to worry too much about their children’s safety in Indonesia.

Earlier, in his speech, Khaled said the loans obtained by 2,162 students of higher learning institutions amounting to RM59.6 million from the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) had been changed to scholarships this year after they obtained first-class honours degrees. – Bernama