KUCHING: The Higher Education Ministry is closely monitoring the situation involving Malaysian students in Paris, France, and Milan, Italy, following riots in several parts of the cities.

Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir said the ministry is working closely with the Foreign Ministry to ensure the safety and welfare of all students in affected areas.

"To date, we have not received any reports of students directly involved in the incidents.

"The riots have only affected students' daily movements, particularly in commuting to campus or attending to personal matters in certain areas.