UKM Refutes Viral Claim Over International Student Numbers, Releases Official Enrolment Data
BANGI: Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) has rejected claims circulating on social media alleging that international students outnumber local students by a ratio of five to one, describing the information as inaccurate and inconsistent with the university’s official enrolment records.
In a statement issued following the circulation of a Facebook video containing the allegation, UKM said it viewed the matter seriously and moved to clarify the actual composition of its student population using verified institutional data.
According to figures provided by the university’s Centre for Academic Management and Centre for Continuing Education and Professional Development, UKM currently has a total student population of 46,151. Of that number, 3,917 are international undergraduate students.
Based on the official statistics, international undergraduate students account for approximately eight per cent of the university’s overall student population, resulting in an estimated ratio of about one international undergraduate student for every 12 students. UKM said this differs significantly from the 5:1 ratio claimed in the viral video.
The university emphasised that its long-standing mission remains centred on expanding educational opportunities for Malaysians and reaffirmed that the admission of international students does not diminish opportunities available to local applicants.
UKM explained that international student recruitment is conducted in a measured manner and remains aligned with the Ministry of Higher Education’s broader strategy to strengthen Malaysia’s position as an international higher education destination.
According to the university, attracting international students supports national efforts to enhance academic collaboration, research partnerships and educational internationalisation while maintaining the institution’s commitment to serving Malaysian students.
UKM also urged members of the public to verify information through official university communication channels before sharing content on social media.
The university warned that the dissemination of false or misleading information could damage the reputation of higher education institutions and stated that it would not hesitate to consider legal action against individuals or parties found to be persistently spreading defamatory or inaccurate claims.
UKM said maintaining public confidence in higher education requires accurate information and responsible public discourse, particularly on matters involving student admissions and institutional policies.
The university reiterated its commitment to transparency and encouraged the public to refer to official announcements whenever questions arise regarding enrolment statistics or university operations.
