WISMA PUTRA CONTINUES MONITORING MIDDLE EAST SITUATION, TRAVEL ADVISORY REMAINS IN FORCE

KUALA LUMPUR, March 3 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry continues to closely monitor developments in the Middle East and remains in close coordination with Malaysian diplomatic missions in the affected region, with the safety and welfare of Malaysians remaining its utmost priority.

In a media advisory issued on Tuesday, the ministry strongly advised Malaysians to defer all non-essential travel to Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), noting that the official travel advisory issued remains in force until further notice.

“In the United Arab Emirates, flight operations continue on a limited basis and remain subject to operational adjustments. 

“Local authorities have issued guidance requesting hotels to allow guests affected by flight disruptions to extend their stay under existing booking conditions and to notify authorities should guests face difficulties in covering the costs,” read the advisory 

The ministry said that the Malaysian Embassy and Consulate are informing Malaysians of this guidance and assisting them in liaising with hotels where necessary. Malaysians who have contacted the Missions are reported safe.

It said in Saudi Arabia, the ministry’s focus remains on Malaysian Umrah pilgrims affected by commercial flight disruptions. 

The Consulate General in Jeddah has activated a 24-hour Operations Room and continues to coordinate with relevant stakeholders to safeguard the welfare of pilgrims while engagements with airlines are ongoing.

Malaysians who have contacted the Mission are reported safe.

The ministry said it continues to closely monitor the situation involving Malaysians in Lebanon, Qatar, Iraq, Jordan and Syria.

In Qatar, recent incidents have led local authorities to implement precautionary measures, and developments there remain under close observation. 

In Lebanon, Malaysians registered with the Mission are reported safe, including members of the Malaysian Armed Forces serving under the Malaysian Battalion (MALBATT) with UNIFIL. 

It said that across Iraq, Jordan and Syria, Missions remain in contact with Malaysians and continue to provide consular guidance as necessary. Malaysians who have been in communication with the Missions are reported safe.

‘As stated by the Prime Minister in Parliament, the ministry continues to monitor developments closely and maintains preparedness measures as part of prudent contingency planning. 

“Any future decisions will be guided by ongoing security assessments conducted on a country-by-country basis,” the statement read.

The ministry is currently updating its records of Malaysians in the affected region, estimated at approximately 29,000. 

To facilitate accurate communication and timely dissemination of official information, Wisma Putra said that Malaysians who have not yet done so are strongly encouraged to register via e-Konsular at https://ekonsular.kln.gov.my and remain in contact with their nearest Malaysian diplomatic missions.

It added that Malaysians seeking consular assistance are encouraged to contact their nearest Malaysian Diplomatic Missions through the official telephone numbers and email addresses previously provided. 

The ministry’s operations room in Putrajaya remains fully activated on a 24-hour basis and may be contacted at +603-88874570 or via email at dutyofficer@kln.gov.my should further assistance be required.

-- BERNAMA