Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) is monitoring the whereabouts of Malaysian students in West Asian countries following the ongoing conflict, including those at universities linked to the United States (US). Its minister, Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, said the move is to ensure student safety and facilitate their return if necessary.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Sunday warned that universities linked to the US and Israel in the region are now considered 'legitimate targets' following attacks on Iran's educational facilities. The report, citing semi-official news agency Fars, said the IRGC accused the US and Israel of repeatedly bombing universities in Iran, including the Iran University of Science and Technology in Tehran.

Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir emphasized that, except for Saudi Arabia, where there is a significant number of Malaysian students, there are not many Malaysians at institutions linked to the US in Gulf countries. Nevertheless, the ministry is taking the necessary steps to ensure the safety of Malaysians in the region.

He made these remarks to reporters after officiating MOHE's engagement programme with students at Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA). The ongoing situation in West Asia has prompted the ministry to prioritize the safety and well-being of Malaysian students studying in potentially affected areas.