CORONAVIRUS | Public universities have autonomy in making decisions regarding the postponement of classes to curb infection risks of COVID-19 or coronavirus.

Deputy Education Minister Teo Nie Ching (photo) said a similar move was taken by universities when the country was hit by haze to ensure the health of every student was protected.

"Universities have the autonomy to make arrangements that best suit them," she told reporters after the launch of the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair yesterday.

Also present at the event was Deputy Federal Territories Minister Shahruddin Md Salleh.

The book fair will be from March 27 to April 5 at Putra World Trade Centre.

It was reported that the management of Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia had instructed its students to go on leave for 10 days starting today.

The varsity said it was a precautionary measure to prevent coronavirus infection risks at the university.

Meanwhile, Teo said for the closure of government schools, it would be implemented by the Education Ministry after receiving advice from the Health Ministry.

"So far, we have not received any directive from the Health Ministry to close down schools. This is because there are no confirmed COVID-19 positive students. — Bernama