A sigh of relief for Malawian students stranded abroad due to the novel coronavirus pandemic as government has released K128 million for their allowances.

Minister of Finance Economic Planning and Development Joseph Mwananvekha revealed this at media press briefing in the capital Lilongwe.

According to Mwananvekha, the allowances are or both government sponsored and private students.

The Minister added that, for the time being the students who are 300 in total have received 50 percent for three months in advance of allowances the will get normally.

Mwanamvekha said the decision was arrived at following increased prices of food and basic amenities induced by Covid-19 pandemic.

He has also revealed that an assessment is being carried out to identify patients and guardians who are stranded abroad due to Covid-19 so that they may also be supported by the government