Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry is coordinating with missions and airlines to evacuate citizens from the Middle East following airspace closures and flight suspensions.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, known as Wisma Putra, is now coordinating the evacuation of Malaysians stranded in the Middle East following the suspension of flights and closure of airspaces in the region.
In a statement, the ministry said it is working in tandem with Malaysia’s diplomatic missions, regional governments, and airlines to bring citizens home.
“The relevant Malaysian diplomatic missions have been in contact with Malaysians in the affected countries since the earliest stages of the conflict to provide consular assistance and gather information for contingency planning,” Wisma Putra said.
The evacuation efforts will be carried out using its database of registered Malaysians and will include all those wishing to return home.
“Malaysians are strongly urged to immediately register and update their contact details with the nearest Malaysian Diplomatic Mission or via e-Konsular, as any evacuation arrangements will be coordinated based on the database of registered Malaysians,” the ministry added.
Wisma Putra expressed deep concern over the escalation of conflict in the Middle East, which has been tense since recent strikes involving Israel, the United States, and Iran.
“The safety and security of Malaysians remains our highest priority,” the ministry stated, adding that the advisory will remain in place until further notice.
Malaysians in affected countries are urged to exercise a high degree of vigilance, avoid areas of military activity and public gatherings, and strictly adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.
In an updated travel advisory, Malaysian citizens are advised to defer all travel to the affected countries, including those intending to perform umrah and ziarah.
The ministry also appealed for the understanding of all parties, including tour agencies, as it works to ensure the evacuation efforts are undertaken successfully.
Contact details for Malaysian diplomatic missions in Iran, Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates have been listed for citizens requiring assistance.
The Sun Malaysia
