The Higher Education Ministry has extended the moratorium on the establishment of new private higher education institutions (IPTS) until Dec 31, 2020.

Deputy Minister Mary Yap Kain Ching said the moratorium was aimed at restructuring the private education management in the country.

“The number of IPTS that have been granted approval to operate has actually decreased, as of November, a total of 486 IPTS (were granted approval) compared to 522 IPTS in 2013.

“The move (moratorium) is aimed at ensuring only quality and viable IPTS are allowed to operate," she said in reply to a question from Senator Khairudin Samad at the Dewan Negara sitting here today.

Yap said the validity period of the course of study was given only between five and seven years depending on the programme offered, to ensure they were relevant in the current market.

“If a programme fails to comply with the prescribed conditions, the ministry will not renew the operation period of the programme or the approval for the course of study will be withdrawn,” she added.

- Bernama