Covid-19 Health Updates & Advisory FAQ

Last Updated: Wednesday, 25th May 2022

Note: This list will be updated from time to time.

Who do I contact for any queries?

If they require any urgent assistance, students may reach out to us at:

• Covid-19 Support email : covid-response@staffemail.apu.edu.my
• Microsoft Teams: https://bit.ly/3d3UoQb
• Emergency Hotline: +6 017-379 1700 (7am - 7pm) | +6 017-2381300 (7pm - 7am)

You may also contact the following service:

• Administrative Services – admin@apu.edu.my
• Technology Services & Virtual Help Desk – assist@apu.edu.my
• Student Services – info@apu.edu.my
• Bursary Services – bursary@apu.edu.my
• PTPTN Services – ptptn@apu.edu.my
• Visa Renewal & Immigration Services – visa@apu.edu.my
• Accommodation Services – rsvp@apu.edu.my
• International Students Arrival Control Centre - arrivals-control@apu.edu.my
• Personal Counselling - emily.octavia@apu.edu.my 
• Library Services – library@apu.edu.my

What should I do if I am not feeling well?

Don't panic! Reach out to nearest private clinic / hospital for early treatment - it might just be a common cold or flu. If you are staying at the APU Campus, you can reach out to Oceana Clinic @ APU. 

Clinic Oceana @ APU campus will be opened as usual from Mon-Fri between 9.00am to 5.00pm, throughout this period, except public holidays.

I’m feeling homesick and depressed with current situation. Is there anyone that I can speak to about my mental health?

We continue to provide Mental Health support through Personal e-Counselling to all students. If you need to talk about your Fear, Anxiety, Stress, Confusion, Isolation, Uncertainty, Depression etc., please speak to your team of professional counsellors for assistance:

• Ms. Emily Octavia Mathius: emily.octavia@apu.edu.my 

My Family is facing financial difficulties due to Covid-19, can I request for a discount considering my situation?

If you in need of urgent assistance, please reach out to us via our Emergency Hotlines or contact covid-response@staffemail.apu.edu.my.

Please click HERE to view the Emergency Contacts and Guidelines.

The Malaysian government had announced further relaxations of the COVID-19 SOPs effective May 1, 2022. While a general summary is provided in the attached infographic, the following SOPs will now apply to all staff and students of APU with immediate effect:-

1. MySejahtera Check-in and Check on Vaccination Status 

• APU will discontinue the MySejahtera Check-in requirement for all staff and students. 
• However, check-in using our facial recognition system, or by tapping your Student ID will continue for security purposes. 
• Please do show our security personnel your MySejahtera status at the entrance, as those who are under Home Surveillance Order or are in the High-Risk category will not be allowed entry. 
• Visitors and other guests will be required to register their entry into our premises with Security Personnel. 

2. Wearing of Masks 

• The wearing of masks continues to be mandatory anywhere within the campus buildings, including in classrooms, labs, library, consultation rooms, office spaces and lifts. 
• Please do remind your fellow students to observe the above masking requirements at all times. 
• While masks are not mandatory in open spaces, we do encourage you to continue wearing your masks, particularly in crowded areas or where physical distancing is not possible. 
• Please be masked at all times should you be in the High-Risk category (i.e. unvaccinated, having recently been in close contact with an infected person, or having health issues that may result in complications if infected) 
• If you are unsure, do go ahead and wear a mask for your personal safety and peace of mind. 
• When out in the public, do follow the SOPs stipulated in the Government’s Announcement shown below. 

3. Physical distancing 

• Physical distancing will no longer be required in all teaching/learning spaces and facilities. (Masks must be worn in these areas) 
• However, in areas where masks are not required, such as in the cafeteria, physical distancing is strongly encouraged, even where it is not mandatory. 

4. Hybrid Teaching and Learning  

• Teaching and Learning will continue to be conducted in Hybrid mode on campus until further notice, to cater for students who are still away in their countries/hometowns. 
• The number of Hybrid Classes held physically on campus will be increased in the weeks to come and we expect most of your classes to be held on campus from early June 2022 onwards. You are therefore highly encouraged to come to campus to attend your sessions in person together with your classmates, in preparation for all sessions eventually reverting to being fully on campus. 

5. If you are tested Positive for COVID-19 

• If you are tested positive, please immediately report your status using the MySejahtera App. 
• Quarantine yourself for 7 days, from the first day of infection. 
• You can attend your classes online. If you are medically unable to attend, please do inform your lecturers. 
• On the 4th day do a RTK Test supervised by a doctor and if the result is negative you may return to the campus. 
• If still infected, do continue to complete the required quarantine period. 
• On the 8th day, you can discontinue the quarantine and return to the campus. 

These SOP relaxations should not be a signal for us to let our guard down. The virus is still very much out there, and everyone is in danger of being infected – even if fully vaccinated or having been infected previously. As such, for your personal safety and that of your family and the APU Community, please do continue to wear your mask, sanitise regularly and observe all safety SOPs diligently.

Please do understand that any non-compliance to SOPs and guidelines anywhere - within the campus or in other locations – may result in punitive action under Malaysian Law (including fines and cancellation of Student Visas). As such, before you go anywhere, please ensure that you are fully aware of and comply with all applicable instructions and guidelines.

(For Parents) What safety measures are in place for our children studying in APU?

Students are advised to stay at their accommodation units, practice good personal hygiene and maintain social distancing, and avoid visiting crowded places. In APIIT & APU, comprehensive sanitisation is regularly performed and all precautionary measures are taken to prevent any occurrences of the COVID-19 infection on our campuses.

Students are also provided with regular health advisories to remind them to avoid mass gatherings, outdoor activities and to maintain strong personal hygiene at all times.

What happens if there is a case of COVID-19 at APU? 

We have an Emergency Response Team & procedures to handle such a situation. We continue to practice strict sanitisation procedures across the campus facilities to contain infection and to ensure that our student & staff community are adequately protected.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19? 

COVID-19 symptoms can include: 

• Fever 
• Cough 
• Shortness of breath 
• Sore throat 
• Runny nose 
• Headache 
• Muscle aches 
• Chills 
• Loss of taste or smell 
• Nausea or vomiting 
• Diarrhea 

If you have any of these symptoms, stay home and get tested – even if you are vaccinated.

Does fully vaccinated student need to take the RTK-Ag self test on a regular basis?

There's no need. However, according to the MOH's National COVID-19 Testing Strategy guidelines, the student must take the RTK-Ag self test once before returning to campus (after long holidays, including term holidays and public holidays) and if symptomatic.

What do I have to do if I am a close contact of someone with COVID-19? 

The Ministry of Health (MoH) has issued the new Guidelines which will be implemented effective March 1, 2022, with regard to the Quarantine Period for persons who have had close contact with COVID-19 patients. The MoH’s Guidelines to be implemented will be as follows:-

Booster Vaccination Service available at APU

Booster Vaccination Service is available here at Klinik Oceana @ APU for all students, family members, relatives and friends who have yet to receive their booster dose.  

You can encourage anyone whom you know has not taken the booster vaccination to walk into Klinik Oceana @ APU Vaccination Centre at the Spine, Level 5 to take the booster dose. Children aged 12 and above can come for the booster shot.  

Klinik Oceana’s Operating Hours are as follows:
Monday – Sunday: 10:00am – 4:00pm (except public holidays)

Does student who has symptoms take the COVID-19 screening test?

Yes. Students with symptoms must take the RTK-Ag self test and perform self-quarantine to monitor their health.

What happens if students arrive on campus with symptoms?

If you have confirmed or suspected COVID-19, stay home and self-isolate, regardless of your vaccination status and whether or not you have symptoms. Visit the nearest University Health Center/ Clinic/ Hospital for a more comprehensive health screening if necessary. 

Are all services in APU fully operational?

Face-to-face Administrative Services, Visa Services, Bursary & Students Services are now open. However, full virtual support and advice is still available for all students through online channels. You may reach us via the Virtual Helpdesk emails below:

As student can now return to campus, what are the important criteria we should take note of when returning?

As we welcome you back to the campus, we would like to provide guidance on the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that will be in force.

ENTRY INTO THE CAMPUS

In order to regulate entry into the APU campus, 2 separate entrances have been set up:

• Scan the MySejahtera QR Code available at the entrance.
• Display your MySejahtera Check-in information for our Entry Personnel to verify your Vaccination Status.

• Scan the MySejahtera QR Code available at the entrance.
• Display your APSpace Risk Status for our Entry Personnel to verify your Vaccination Status.

1. Proceed to the Facial Recognition (APFace)/Temperature Scanner Station for screening and authentication Category 1
2. Proceed into the campus.

1. Proceed to the APFace/Temperature Scanner for Temperature Screening
2. Proceed to the Administrative Services at level 4 for APCard Collection and APFace Registration. For guidance on APFace registration, please visit APFace knowledge base.

Please send us the scanned copy for your transfer details for verification at bursary@apu.edu.my.

Please do check other payment options including Flywire at http://www.apu.edu.my/life-apu/student-services/apu-apiit-bursary-details

Is the shuttle bus operating to/from the LRT station and Accommodation? 

APU shuttle buses will be operational to LRT and all APU managed accommodations. Kindly refer to your APSpace for the latest bus schedule.

*Please note that the bus schedule will be updated from time to time, kindly check your APSpace for the latest version.

What if I face any technical issues while having my online classes?

We understand how important the Digital Ecosystem including Teams and APSpace are for keeping you connected with APU and in your daily life. To help maximise your experience, please contact the Virtual Help centre via email at assist@apu.edu.my  to get the help you need with technical and applications support.

A helpdesk ticket will be created spontaneously whenever you email assist@apu.edu.my. You may check the helpdesk status or add comments/respond to your existing ticket. If we need to guide you through remotely – including screen sharing – you will receive a Microsoft Teams call or telephone call from our support team.

I’m feeling homesick and got depressed while dealing in this pandemic alone with no one by my side. Is there anyone that I can speak to about my mental health?

We continue to provide Mental Health support through Personal e-Counselling to all students during this phase. If you need to talk about your Fear, Anxiety, Stress, Confusion, Isolation, Uncertainty, Depression etc., please speak to your team of professional counsellors for assistance:

• Ms. Emily Octavia Mathius: emily.octavia@apu.edu.my 

They are also contactable via Microsoft Teams from Monday to Friday (8.30am to 6.00pm) or you may also visit APU & APIIT COVID-19 Student Advisories & Support Channel on Microsoft Teams: https://bit.ly/3d3UoQb

Please send us the scanned copy for your transfer details for verification at bursary@apu.edu.my.

I don’t have enough coins for the self-service washing machine to do my laundry. Who should I contact?

We’re pleased to announce that we have developed a new coinless solution for our laundry facilities at APU. The new transition is simple, you will need to use your APCard to pay for washing and drying at the laundry kiosk. Charges remain the same as before. The laundry kiosk is another effort by APU in providing you with cashless transactions on campus and keeping you safer and reduced physical contact. You can contact the accommodation wardens for assistance.

Important Note: Please determine “extra time” before making payment for the dryer. If you choose to add minutes later, the charges will be for a full cycle regardless of duration required. So, if you think a heavy blanket may require extra 5 mins, add that duration before making the payment.

Who will take care of my safety and welfare if I require assistance?

You may contact your accommodation wardens. Their contact numbers are listed as below:

You may also contact us at rsvp@apu.edu.my.  or get in touch with us via Microsoft Teams: https://bit.ly/3d3UoQb

When will the classes resume on campus? 

Teaching and learning will be conducted in Hybrid mode (Face-to-Face and Online learning until further notice. We are excited to be able to welcome the APU community back to campus and all measures have and will continue to be taken to ensure that the campus remains safe for everyone. 

Meanwhile, should you require any further information, you may contact us at covid-response@apu.edu.my. 

Are students who are fully vaccinated compulsory to join classes on campus? Or students can continue to study online? 

Students are allowed to study via Online Mode until further notice as teaching and learning will be conducted in Hybrid mode (Face-to-Face and Online learning)  

I am an international student in my home country now and my country currently has a travel ban, how can I join my classes when the campus is open?  

Student will be informed of their return in stages. However, Teaching and Learning will be conducted in Hybrid mode (face to face and online) until further notice. Meanwhile, should you require any further information, you may contact us at covid-response@apu.edu.my. 

Do I still have option to attend only online classes?  

Yes, teaching and learning will be conducted in Hybrid mode (Face-to-Face and Online learning) until further notice. 

What should I do about classes if I have confirmed or suspected COVID-19? 

If you have a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19, the best course of action is to notify your lecturer as soon as possible — just as you would if you had to miss class for any other reason. Because each course situation is unique, your lecturer will be the best equipped to provide options for assignments, lecture notes and slides etc. 

How will Digital Learning be conducted? Which applications will be used? 

We are using Microsoft Teams for classes and collaboration, and the APU Moodle (accessible through the APSpace) as part of our Digital Learning delivery. 

Please click HERE to view the guidelines. 

How should I setup my devices to be able to use Digital Learning? 

Please click HERE to view the guidelines.  

I am in my home country, which is currently behind Malaysian time. How do I attend the Digital Learning session? 

Classes will be carried out as per Malaysian time zone (GMT +8). You are required to attend the sessions based on the above time zone and in line with your timetable. If you are unable to login during Malaysian time, you may also view the Stream as a recording which your module Lecturer will upload in due course in your Microsoft Teams Group or inside your Class folder in Moodle. You can also consult your lecturer via Teams on any lesson clarifications. 

Please click HERE to view the guidelines on Digital Learning.  

I am a part-time Masters student. Will my classes also be conducted on the Digital Learning platform? 

Yes all Part-time Postgraduate modules will be delivered fully online in accordance with directives issued by the Government. 

Please click HERE to view the guidelines on Digital Learning.  

I am facing some issues with my APSpace and Digital Learning. Who should I contact?  

You may contact our Virtual Help Centre via email at assist@apu.edu.my to get the help you need with technical and applications support including Office365 @ APU, APKey, APSpace and Digital Learning. A helpdesk ticket will be created spontaneously whenever you email assist@apu.edu.my.  Alternatively, you may contact our Virtual Help Centre at 03-8992 5050 (Mondays to Fridays, 9:00am to 6:00pm) to assist you to perform a simple diagnosis or creating a helpdesk ticket for you. 

Meanwhile, if you have any questions, do visit the Knowledge Base to find the answers you may need at  APU's Knowledge Base. The Knowledge Base is your first stop for accessing all our best tips and tricks as well as answers to your most pressing questions. 

How do I check status of my helpdesk request? 

After creating a helpdesk ticket, you should receive an email from our Virtual Help Centre system confirming the case has been opened and we will get back to you with a response as soon as possible. Additional email notifications should contain links to view the issue on the web. Further details and FAQ's can be found HERE.  

What if my internet connection is slow? How do I access Digital Learning? 

If the internet connection is slow or intermittent, please do communicate directly with your lecturer. All lesson materials including recordings of lectures, are available on Moodle. Your lecturer can be consulted on any lesson clarifications. It is also advisable to upgrade your internet data/broadband/WIFI package to ensure that you are able to benefit fully from Digital Learning. 

How would my attendance be taken if I did not login using Malaysian time? 

Your attendance for the Class may be taken via Moodle after the Live Stream when you open the Class Folder and watch the Recorded Stream.

I was online during the lecture / tutorial, but my lecturer had marked me as absent. What should I do? 

Please communicate with your lecturer on this via e-mail / Microsoft Teams. To help you with attendance, it would be good to engage during the online session by posting on the chat box. 

Is this Digital Learning a temporary measure during this period only? What if APU had resumed face-to-face learning but I am still overseas and unable to travel out. Will this Digital Learning continue for us? 

The Online Remote or Digital Learning is a temporary mode of delivery during this period. If you are unable to return to APU, the lecturer will still continue to upload all teaching materials on to Moodle and you may consult your lecturer for any lesson clarifications. The Digital Learning will continue until face-to-face learning resumes when most international students return to Malaysia. We expected digital learning with hybrid mode when allowed (for those who are in the country) to continue until further notice. 

At the end of the Semester, how would the Examinations be conducted? Through online? 

Assessments and exams will be conducted online. You will be advised by your lecturers. 

If I am having classes through Digital Learning, what will happen to my class tests and exams? 

For existing cohorts that had started remote teaching and learning, all assessments (final exam, class test and quiz etc.) for the on-going semester will continue to be conducted ONLINE. 

How do we do our group assignments since my classmates are not with me? 

You are encouraged to carry out the discussions via Microsoft Teams and to refer to your lecturers on how to complete the group assignment. 

Do I still need to go to work/internship?

Kindly refer to your employers on the latest Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) as practiced by the company, as this would depend on individual employers and approvals from the Government to operate.

What if my company has decided to discontinue / suspend my internship?

Please request a letter of "Internship Discontinuation" from the company and keep your internship supervisor and Internship Coordinator informed. Take the necessary steps to stay at home; the university will advise you on the next course of action.

What happens if I am not well / develop symptoms of COVID-19 during internship?

Please keep your company, your internship supervisor and Internship Coordinator informed. Seek immediate medical attention. If a self-quarantine/isolation is required, kindly follow the instructions of medical personnel and keep us informed.

Will assistance for Internship and Job Placements be provided?

The University’s Career Services unit will continue to support you in addressing your Internship and Job Placement needs online through the APLink Portal. Please contact Career Services as per the details below: