Kuala Lumpur, Apr 24 (Sin Chew Daily) — Many parents are worried about their children currently studying in countries severely hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, says Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein.

"Take the United States for instance, we have more than 6,700 Malaysian students studying in the US. We are unsure of their situation. Parents are worried. The students are also trapped in a dilemma whether they could sit for their exams or graduate.

"I am sure this is not the only problem faced by Malaysian parents, but thousand or even millions of Asean citizens in similar situation," he said during the online Special Asean–US Foreign Ministers' Meeting.

"I understand the measures adopted during this critical phase of time. Every country is facing the pandemic together and must ensure that the people are strong to ride through this crisis.

"To Muslims in Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and other Asean countries, the Ramadan fasting month has started. This year, we need to ensure social gatherings arising from traditional religions customs are banned," he said.

Hishammuddin said the underprivileged would not be receiving cash donations and food during Ramadan month like before.

"How do we strike a balance between social prohibitions and cultural practice? We need to solve the real issues which are beyond health issues triggered by COVID-19.

This pandemic is beyond test kits or developing vaccines now. The global crisis will be forever impacting us on how we live.

"Our generation has never faced a pandemic of this scale before. We must work together to ensure we pool our strength collectively to stop this pandemic and cushion its impact on our society.

"Developing a vaccine is the only way we can overcome the coronavirus disease and restore our lives to normalcy.

"As leaders, we must be bold and sincere to cooperate for the interest of the people. 

"I am confident of the partnership between Asean and the US this round. We can work together to resolve this matter," he said.