Evacuation efforts continue as Malaysians remain stranded in Oman, UAE, Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries
PETALING JAYA: A total of 649 Malaysians are currently stranded across several locations in the Middle East following escalating regional conflict, the Foreign Ministry said as evacuation efforts continue to assist affected travellers.
As of 6pm yesterday, 24,568 Malaysians have registered with the ministry through the e-Konsular system.
According to the Wisma Putra’s media statement today, the number of stranded Malaysians in Oman has fallen sharply from 190 to five following recent departures.
Across the United States of Emirates, 246 stranded Malaysians have departed from Dubai, leaving 176 Malaysians on the Malaysian mission’s active list.
The ministry noted that EK342 carried 222 Malaysian passengers from Dubai to Kuala Lumpur on March 6, including stranded travellers and pilgrim groups transiting from Jeddah.
In Abu Dhabi, 25 Malaysians remain stranded while five travellers have departed.
Whereas in Saudi Arabia, 243 Malaysians (mostly Umrah pilgrims) remain stranded as the Malaysian Consulate General in Jeddah continues coordinating with travel operators and authorities to facilitate their return.
The ministry said several flights have already departed Jeddah while additional services by Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia and Batik Air are scheduled over the coming days.
It noted that regional aviation disruptions continue to affect travel, with Iraqi airspace remaining closed and civillian flights in Qatar restricted.
“Iraqi airspace remains closed, while civilian flights in Qatar remain restricted. The Ministry and the National Security Council continue to monitor developments.
“These assessments will not affect efforts to assist Malaysians in the region.”
No Malaysians are currently stranded in Bahrain, the ministry clarified, though 105 Malaysians have registered for voluntary evacuation.
Malaysians currently in the region have been urged to register and update their details through the e-Konsular system or through the nearest Malaysian diplomatic mission so evacuation arrangements can be coordinated.
“The Cabinet has approved a contingency evacuation plan should the regional security situation deteriorate.
“The Government’s priority is assisting Malaysians stranded due to travel disruptions and facilitating their return through available commercial flights.”
The ministry said that the travel advisory issued by Wisma Putra on March 5 covering Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates due to ongoing military activities in parts of the region remains in force until further notice.
Evacuation coordination currently utilises available travel corridors and commercial flights operating in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Turkiye as diplomatic missions shift operational focus to evacuation coordination and consular assistance.
“The Ministry expresses appreciation to the Governments concerned, relevant authorities and airline operators for facilitating these movements.”
The ministry’s operations room in Putrajaya remains active on a 24-hour basis to assist affected Malaysians, and can be contacted at +603-8887 4570 or dutyofficer@kln.gov.my.
The Sun Malaysia
