MOHE readies for monsoon floods, gives universities leeway for online classes

PUTRAJAYA, Nov 3 — The Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) has begun early preparations to face the possibility of year-end floods, particularly involving universities located in flood-prone states.

Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir said reminders and procedural preparations were carried out annually, especially for institutions in the East Coast states, Sabah and Sarawak, as the monsoon season typically brought flood risks towards the end of the year.

Zambry said universities identified to be at risk had been granted flexibility to conduct online learning should floods disrupt on-campus teaching activities.

“As we know, floods have occurred frequently from last year to this year, and we always issue reminders and make preparations, particularly in states that are often affected.

“At the university level, we provide them the flexibility to make the necessary arrangements,” he told reporters after inspecting preparations for the Putrajaya Festival of Ideas (FoI) here today.

Zambry also confirmed that conducting online classes were among the approved procedures during flood situations.

“That is one of our procedures. If such a situation arises, online learning can be implemented. We have given that flexibility to universities according to their discretion and specific needs,” he said. — Bernama