More than 300 Penang students in Jordan and Egypt are confirmed safe as the state government monitors the situation following escalating West Asia tensions.

GEORGE TOWN: More than 300 students from Penang pursuing studies in Jordan and Egypt are reported to be safe. This follows rising tensions in West Asia.

Penang Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid said the state government is closely monitoring the situation. He provided the update after the Agihan Zakat Nur Ramadan programme at Masjid Al Mustaqhfirin in Bayan Lepas.

Mohamad said the latest confirmation came from Malaysia’s Ambassador to Jordan. “The Malaysian Embassy remains in contact with student representatives to ensure their welfare is safeguarded during this sensitive period in the region,” he told reporters.

READ MORE: PM Anwar closely monitors evacuation of Malaysians from Middle East

There are currently about 100 Penang students in Jordan. They reside in several major cities including Amman, Irbid and Mu’tah.

These students have been advised to remain at their residences. They should only travel to campus for lectures.

Meanwhile, about 200 Penang students are pursuing their studies in Egypt. The situation there has not been affected by the regional tensions.

Commenting on a potential evacuation, Mohamad said the matter would depend on the Foreign Ministry. Any decision would follow updates from the Malaysian Embassy in Jordan.

Tensions in West Asia have escalated since Feb 28. This followed attacks by Israel and the United States on Iran.

Tehran subsequently launched retaliatory strikes against US interests in Gulf countries.

 The Sun Malaysia