By Yasmin Ramlan
SHAH ALAM, Feb 25 — A total of 37 student deaths were recorded at public universities between 2021 and 2025, but none were related to criminal acts, the Dewan Rakyat heard today.
Higher Education Deputy Minister Adam Adli said 18 of the deaths were due to accidents, while 19 were classified as sudden deaths.
“If we compare the overall number of students over five years, the cases are relatively small. However, of course, we hope such incidents do not happen at all.
“Most were accidents, with 18 cases, and 19 were sudden deaths. Thank God, no criminal cases were recorded,” he said during the question and answer session in Parliament today.
Adam said the government remains committed to ensure the safety and well-being of students while on campus.
“We must ensure our campuses remain safe and conducive for them.”
He was responding to a question from Jerantut MP Khairil Nizam Khirudin on the total number of students deaths on campus over the last five years, and the ministry’s short-, medium- and long-term plans to improve safety measures.
Adam said the Higher Education Ministry has issued official instructions to all public and private higher education institutions to conduct comprehensive and regular safety inspections.
This includes reviewing campus and hostel security systems, access controls, CCTV coverage, lighting, and emergency standard operating procedures (SOPs).
He added that the ministry is working closely with the police to enhance safety, not only within campuses but also in surrounding areas, especially in preventing crime and addressing road safety concerns.
On the recent incident where an air conditioner compressor exploded at a private university in Bukit Damansara, resulting in one death and nine injuries, Adam said as of today, a full report is not yet available.
“The incident involved a private university, so the reporting and management process is slightly different. We have requested an initial report and will respond in writing once we obtain verified facts,” he said.
