Universities will not be shut down because of the H1N1 scare as it will be impossible to impose stringent quarantine rules on the students therefore the government has no plans to do so.

NONE Minister of Higher Education Khaled Nordin ( right ) who said this added that "even if we close (down a university) it will only be for one or two weeks, then the universities will be reopened," he said.

Speaking to reporters at a press conference today, Khaled said that tighter quarantine rules will require "too many personnel", thus they will be unable to enforce this.

He said since university students are considered to be adults, they should have a greater sense of awareness and responsibility on how to prevent the virus from spreading.

‘Treat varsity students like adults'

He also confirmed that his ministry is in close coordination with the Health Ministry, and that he will seek their opinions and suggestions.

"Any decision we make will be based upon discussions with or orders from the Health Ministry... but so far, no action has been taken and everything will continue as normal," he said.

university convocation 090507 01 However, he said that the universities with affected students had started their holiday break earlier as a way of preventing a outbreak of the disease.

Unlike what is being done at primary and secondary schools, the ministry of higher education has no plans to monitor the temperatures of university students.

"It is different for (primary and secondary) school students, that is why we are responding differently to the situation. It is better if we increase university students' sense of responsibility," said Khaled.

Need to boost awareness

He also discouraged students from attending events which will attract large groups of people while pointing out that self- responsibility in the current situation is important in fighting the disease.

"Every university has its own health centre, so if any of the students have flu like symptoms, they have to take immediate action." he added.

Head of Gerakan's Central Bureau on Public Health and Social Development Dr Ng Keong Chye, however, said the government should consider temporarily closing schools down to avoid further spread of the virus.

h1n1 flu malaysia school children students wearing mask 260609 06 "As the situation is worsening, closing schools would be a good preventive measure." he said.

Dr Ng, who is also the Ketari assemblyman, said in a press statement that the government should not wait for pupils to get infected before closing a school.

"The government may want to consider bringing forward the holidays and extending it by a week if the situation does not improve." said Ng.

Abide by the rules

He also echoed Khaled's statement, saying that individual responsibility is important in taking the necessary preventive measures to halt the virus.

"Everybody should play his role and be civic-minded to help combat the disease." said Dr Ng.

If a pupil were to have flu like symptoms, he or she mus abide the Health Ministry's advice , that is to stay homed and avoid crowded places or attend public events until the symptoms disappear, he added.

Dr Ng also advised the public to follow the instructions set by World Health Organisation (WHO), which includes practising personal hygiene, avoiding hand to face contact and reducing activities in crowded places.

Current updates record a total of 1,492 A(H1N1) flu cases, with the death toll rising to 14 yesterday.