Higher education minister: No Malaysian students injured in Europe unrest

KUCHING : No Malaysian students have been reported injured in the unrest in Europe, although their movements to campuses have been affected.

Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said the ministry is closely monitoring the situation in cooperation with the Foreign Ministry.

He said advisories have been issued to Malaysians, particularly students studying in the affected areas, to avoid locations where protests and unrest are taking place.

“So far, we have not received any reports of Malaysian students being injured.

“The impact is mainly on their movements to campuses and other places,” he told reporters today (Oct 20).

He said this after paying a courtesy call on Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at his office at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) complex here.

Zambry said further measures would be taken in coordination with the Foreign Ministry should the situation worsen.

He said these could include relocating students away from affected areas to safer locations, including areas near Malaysian diplomatic missions.

“Our priority now is to ensure that they are moved away from areas where unrest is taking place,” he said.

However, he could not confirm whether any students had already been relocated, saying the matter falls under the Foreign Ministry.

He added that the situation is being monitored closely and that further action would depend on developments on the ground.

The unrest escalated over the weekend (Oct 17–18), amid widespread protests in parts of Europe over rising living costs, housing shortages and concerns over public services.

In France, more than 550,000 people reportedly joined demonstrations nationwide, with major cities including Paris, Marseille and Lyon experiencing violent clashes, looting and disruptions.

Similar unrest has also been reported in several Italian cities, including Milan, Turin and Bologna, where protesters clashed with police.