Govt prepared to bring 755 Malaysians in Russia home, says Zahid

SUBANG JAYA: Malaysians in Russia will be brought back should the situation in Moscow escalate following the declaration of a counter-terrorism operation (CTO), says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

The Deputy Prime Minister said the Foreign Ministry has already briefed him and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on the latest developments in Russia.

"If the situation there cannot guarantee the safety of Malaysians, this effort to bring them home will be facilitated by Wisma Putra.

"We are currently monitoring the situation in Russia and we hope all of them will be safe," he told a press conference after launching the 23rd Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) National Academy Association (FBINAA) Asia Pacific Retaining Conference on Monday (June 26).

On Sunday (June 25), it was reported that Malaysians in Russia, Armenia and Belarus have been advised to stay vigilant following the declaration of a CTO in Moscow and its surrounding region on Saturday (June 24).

ALSO READ: Malaysians in Russia, Armenia and Belarus told to stay vigilant

The Malaysian Embassy in Moscow, in a statement shared on Twitter, said Malaysians in all three countries should register or update their latest locations and contact information with the embassy via email [e-mail] and telephone numbers [phone]/99 or [phone] (duty officer).

It said registration was critical to ensure that relevant information and updates from the embassy and Malaysian government could be communicated effectively.

“The embassy is closely monitoring the situation in the country and urges all Malaysians, particularly students in Moscow, Kursk, St Petersburg and Volgograd, to always stay vigilant and calm, limit movement outdoors, avoid crowded areas, carry personal documents (including passport) and ensure travel documents are valid and easily accessible.

“For Malaysians who plan to travel to the Russian Federation, it is advisable to defer all non-essential travel until the situation has improved,” the embassy added, as reported by Bernama.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir said the ministry was closely monitoring the situation following the unrest caused by an armed mutiny.

“The embassy is in close contact with all 755 registered Malaysians and requests them to remain calm, vigilant and stay indoors,” he tweeted.