Cabinet Discusses Possible Evacuation of Malaysian Students Amid Middle East Conflict
Government monitoring situation as nearly 2,000 Malaysian students remain safe in affected countries
IPOH, March 4 — The Malaysian government is considering measures to bring home its citizens, particularly students currently studying in several Middle Eastern countries, following rising tensions in the region.
Deputy Higher Education Minister Adam Adli Abdul Halim said the matter was discussed during today’s Cabinet meeting as part of efforts to ensure the safety of Malaysians residing in areas affected by the ongoing conflict.
According to him, Malaysian embassies in Iran and neighbouring countries have already prepared emergency contingency plans to deal with any potential escalation in the situation.
“The Malaysian embassies in Iran and nearby countries affected by the conflict have made early preparations and developed emergency response plans to ensure the safety of Malaysians,” he said.
Adam Adli was speaking to reporters after officiating the Apple Education Classroom at Politeknik Ungku Omar (PUO) during a breaking-of-fast event with members of the polytechnic community here today.
He explained that the government’s efforts to safeguard Malaysians abroad have been supported by strong diplomatic ties and cooperation with countries in the region that are willing to assist if necessary.
According to him, Malaysian diplomatic missions in areas potentially affected by the conflict always maintain strategic plans and mechanisms to ensure the protection of citizens.
“Our embassies consistently have plans and initiatives in place to safeguard Malaysians wherever conflicts arise,” he said.
Adam Adli added that the government is currently mobilising all necessary efforts to ensure Malaysians in the affected regions remain safe and well informed about the evolving situation.
He also expressed confidence that Malaysian diplomatic representatives in Iran and surrounding countries are fully prepared with contingency plans should the situation deteriorate further.
Malaysians in the region have also been urged to comply with instructions issued by Malaysian embassies as well as local authorities.
They are encouraged to promptly report their location and status to Malaysian diplomatic missions so that assistance can be coordinated efficiently if needed.
“Ensuring the safety of Malaysians abroad has always been a top priority for the government, particularly for those residing in conflict-affected areas,” he said.
He added that Malaysians in the region remain in contact with Wisma Putra and the Ministry of Higher Education to receive the latest updates and instructions.
According to current records, a total of 1,936 Malaysian students studying in six Middle Eastern countries affected by the tensions have been confirmed safe.
The figure includes six students in Iran, three in Qatar, nine in Kuwait, 21 in the United Arab Emirates, 135 in Saudi Arabia and 1,762 students in Jordan.
The government will continue to closely monitor developments in the Middle East and take further action if necessary to ensure the safety of Malaysians abroad.
-wilayah.com.my
