Policy talks delay funds; students in Malaysia face July 10 fee deadline

The Ministry of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development explained that funds for Maldivian students in Malaysia, who need to pay their course fees by July 10, have been delayed due to ongoing discussions among policymakers.

Several Maldivians studying in Malaysia under government sponsorship have voiced concerns over delayed funding. They warn that if their fees aren’t paid by the July 10 deadline, they could face a fine of 2,000 ringgit.

The students mentioned that although they expressed their concerns in a WhatsApp group created by the Ministry of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development, they haven't received a response. They also stressed that all of their attempts to communicate with the ministry have been to no avail.

When inquired about this on Tuesday's ‘Fashaairu’ morning talkshow on RaajjeTV, the Ministry of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development said that the delay in sending funds to students is due to ongoing discussions by policymakers. They added that they couldn't specify how long it would take and acknowledged the difficulties the situation may cause.

Further, when inquired if the ministry would take responsibility for the 2,000 ringgit fine that students would have to pay if fees aren't paid before July 10, the Ministry of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development stated that if the fine is incurred due to the ministry's negligence in not paying the fees, they accept that the ministry should bear that responsibility.

The higher education ministry has also revealed that while discussions among policymakers were ongoing, they hadn't received information about any final decisions being made. They also noted that due to changes regarding students studying in Malaysia, policymakers would be the ones to make a decision on the matter.

Several Maldivians studying abroad had previously expressed concerns about difficulties in receiving funds that the government provides.