Malaysians advised to defer trips to 10 Middle East countries amid ongoing crisis

PETALING JAYA: Malaysians eager to travel to 10 Middle Eastern countries are advised to defer their trip due to the ongoing regional conflict, as the Foreign Minister’s travel advisory on March 5 remains in force until further notice.

These 10 countries include Iran, Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Wisma Putra said this was due to the escalating regional conflict and to ensure the safety and security of Malaysians trapped in these countries.

“Given the security concerns we are facing now, the Ministry wishes to advise Malaysian citizens to defer travel to the 10 affected countries.

“This also applies to Malaysians intending to perform Umrah or Ziarah,” it said in a statement on Sunday (Mar 8).

The ministry said its coordination and evacuation efforts to assist Malaysians trapped in parts of the Middle East were still ongoing.

It said the number of stranded Malaysians across several locations in the region has decreased to 641 as of 5.15pm on Sunday (Mar 8).

“We will continue working with the National Security Council, Malaysian Diplomatic Missions, host governments, airlines and travel operators to facilitate the safe return of Malaysians affected by the conflict.

“Malaysians in the region are urged to register and update their details through the e-Konsular portal at https://ekonsular.kln.gov.my or through the nearest Malaysian Diplomatic Mission.

“Evacuation arrangements will be coordinated based on the database of registered Malaysians,” it added.