Gulf States Secure; Evacuation Plan Unnecessary, Declares Foreign Minister
The Gulf States are reporting a controlled situation, even amid heightened tensions in the Middle East. Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan stated that currently, there is no necessity to implement an evacuation plan for Malaysians in the region. He clarified this during a recent question-and-answer session in the Dewan Negara.
Foreign Minister’s Assurance on Malaysian Safety
During a session on March 3, Mohamad responded to concerns raised by Senator Azahar Hassan regarding Malaysians potentially stranded in Qatar and other Middle Eastern countries. He emphasized that the Malaysian government is closely monitoring the evolving situation but sees no immediate need for evacuation measures.
Government Initiatives to Assist Malaysians
- Establishment of a 24-hour operations room.
- Ensuring access to consular offices in affected countries.
- Continuous monitoring by embassies.
There are approximately 29,000 Malaysians residing in the Gulf States. Of these, about 13,000 have registered with Malaysian embassies. Specifically, Qatar hosts around 2,007 registered Malaysians, primarily employed in the airline and travel industries.
Focus on Transit and Residency Issues
Minister Mohamad pointed out that the immediate priority is supporting Malaysians in transit, especially in Dubai, Oman, Abu Dhabi, and Doha. Those already living in these areas reportedly have access to necessary accommodations and facilities.
Collaboration with Lembaga Tabung Haji
The government is discussing potential use of Lembaga Tabung Haji’s accommodations in Jeddah for Malaysians affected by flight cancellations. Furthermore, the government plans to address individual cases, including those of stranded students, by providing shelter at embassy premises.
Ongoing Air Travel Considerations
While the airspace over Saudi Arabia remains open, Malaysian Airlines is currently not operating flights to the country. This situation is linked to increased insurance premiums affecting the viability of operations. The government is actively working to resolve these issues.
In summary, the Malaysian government remains committed to safeguarding its citizens in the Gulf States amidst regional uncertainties, emphasizing a thorough monitoring approach and proactive support measures.
