NUSPM MONITORS 352 MALAYSIAN SEAFARERS IN WEST ASIA CONFLICT ZONE

By Norsyafawati Ab Wahab

KUALA LUMPUR, March 18 (Bernama) -- Contingency measures, including the potential evacuation of Malaysian seafarers, are being considered in collaboration with relevant authorities and industry stakeholders to ensure preparedness should the security situation in West Asia deteriorate.

The National Union of Seafarers Peninsular Malaysia (NUSPM) estimates that approximately 352 Malaysian seafarers are currently serving on vessels operating within or transiting through the wider high-risk, conflict-affected areas. 

Its executive secretary Ikmal Azam Thanaraj Abdullah said that based on the latest information, all identified Malaysian seafarers in the affected region are safe and accounted for.

"Nevertheless, the situation remains fluid and is being closely monitored in coordination with relevant stakeholders," he told Bernama.

Ikmal Azam said that at this stage, the majority of seafarers are continuing their duties in accordance with their contractual obligations. 

"Decisions regarding operational adjustments, including route deviations or temporary suspension, are made by shipowners and operators based on ongoing risk assessments and maritime advisories," he said. 

He said Malaysian seafarers are currently deployed on multiple vessels operating across the wider conflict-affected region and are not concentrated in any single country.

"Their presence is largely dependent on commercial shipping routes, particularly along strategic maritime corridors. Efforts are ongoing to further verify and map their distribution," he said. 

He noted that NUSPM has been actively engaging with key authorities at both international and national levels including coordinating with the Malaysian Embassy in the United Arab Emirates, the Consulate General of Malaysia in Dubai, and local authorities such as the Hamriyah Port Authority.

At the national level, he said the union is working closely with the Foreign Ministry, relevant foreign affairs and security councils, as well as the Malaysia Marine Department. 

"We note that the Director General of the Marine Department Datuk Dickson Dollah has taken a direct and active interest in this matter. 

"These engagements are focused on information sharing, risk monitoring, and contingency preparedness," he said. 

Ikmal Azam added that NUSPM currently represents around 2,000 registered members nationwide and provides support and assistance to all Malaysian seafarers, regardless of union membership, especially on issues related to safety, welfare, and emergency response.

"We will continue to work closely with all relevant stakeholders, both locally and internationally, to monitor developments and ensure that appropriate measures are taken in response to any escalation," he said. 

The region has been plunged into broader security instability since Feb 28 after the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran, triggering Tehran’s retaliatory strikes against multiple US assets and bases across the Gulf countries. 

--BERNAMA