Two RMAF Hercules planes in UAE to evacuate Malaysians

KUALA LUMPUR: Two Hercules C-130 aircraft of the RMAF have been deployed to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to evacuate Malaysians in war-hit Yemen.

Armed Forces chief General Tan Sri Zulkefli Mohd Zin said the planes departed at 8.20pm and 8.55pm on Tuesday from the Subang airbase along with 43 personnel.

"The planes will be stationed at the UAE to evacuate Malaysians through neighbouring countries.

"We have planned and coordinated this evacuation since the unrest in Yemen unfolded," he told a press conference.

To date, 154 Malaysians have been evacuated from Yemen. They departed from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia for Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday. Over 500 Malaysians are currently awaiting evacuation in Yemen.

"Since the situation there is not improving, we have advised Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein that this is the right moment to move forward. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has also given his blessings to do so.

"We have obtained all necessary clearances, secured all logistical arrangements and air clearances which we have been working on for the past week.

"We urge our citizens in Yemen to give their full cooperation and support our efforts in ensuring their safe return.

"The safety of all Malaysians at this moment remains our top priority," Zulkefli said.

He added that the logistical arrangements to facilitate the evacuation were arranged by the Malaysian embassy in Oman, working with the Malaysian Evacuation Committee and the National Security Council.