MALAYSIANS STRANDED IN UAE ADVISED TO CONFIRM PAYMENT MATTERS DIRECTLY WITH HOTELS, AIRLINES

KUALA LUMPUR, March 5 (Bernama) -- The Consulate General of Malaysia in Dubai has reminded Malaysians stranded in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to verify any payment arrangements directly with their respective hotels and airlines.

In a statement, the Consulate General said it had taken note of reports from several Malaysians that although it had been announced that the cost of hotel accommodation for stranded passengers would be borne by the local authorities, some hotels were still charging fees for extended stays.

“Malaysians in Dubai and the Northern Emirates are advised to remain vigilant, follow official announcements by the UAE authorities and the Consulate, and make the necessary arrangements should they need to extend their stay.

“This includes considering alternative accommodation options that are more affordable if necessary,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, the Consulate General in Dubai said it is coordinating with airlines to increase the frequency of flights to Malaysia to assist stranded Malaysians.

“Although full commercial operations by airlines have not yet completely returned to normal, several limited flights have begun operating, giving priority to stranded passengers.

"All stranded passengers are advised to contact their respective airlines to obtain the latest status," the statement said.

The situation in the Middle East has been tense since Saturday, Feb 28, when Israel and its ally, the United States (US), attacked Iran, leading Iran to carry out retaliatory strikes against US interests in Gulf countries.

This development has seen Gulf countries closing their airspace or allowing only limited flight paths, causing airlines based in the region to suspend operations and leaving thousands of passengers stranded in various countries.

The Malaysian Consulate General is monitoring the current situation in Dubai and the Northern Emirates in light of the ongoing regional tensions.

“Based on information from the local authorities, the security situation in Dubai is stable and daily activities are proceeding as usual,” the statement said.

Currently, around 8,500 Malaysians are in the UAE, including residents, transit passengers, or those stranded due to flight disruptions, and all who have contacted the Malaysian Mission are reported to be safe.

On Wednesday, Malaysia’s Ambassador to the UAE, Tengku Datuk Sirajuzzaman Tengku Mohamed Ariffin, said that the Malaysian Mission in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of Malaysia in Dubai are operating 24 hours a day and continue to closely monitor the situation.

For any consular or emergency assistance, Malaysians can contact the phone lines +971 4 398 5843 / 5847 (office hours) or the emergency line +971 50 737 9196 (phone and WhatsApp), or email:  dxb.cons@kln.gov.my / mwdubai@kln.gov.my

-- BERNAMA