RMAF not deploying aircraft to Iran

On the ground: Khaled looking at some fresh Bentong ginger that has been harvested by villagers at Kampung Gembut Sedili in Kota Tinggi during the ginger harvesting programme.

Efforts are being made to evacuate Malaysians via land routes, says Khaled

KOTA TINGGI: The Royal Malay­sian Air Force (RMAF) will not send its aircraft to Iran to repatriate Malaysians in the country, says Defence Minister Datuk Seri Khaled Nordin.

He said Wisma Putra is coordinating efforts to evacuate Malay­sians in Iran via land routes, as there are no inbound and outbound flights from Iran.

“We are not involved in the conflict so (no aircraft is sent there), lest they think we are trying to help Iran.

“Flights are also not allowed to enter or leave Iran at the moment, so Malaysians in the country will be brought out by land to the neighbouring Turkmenistan and flown back to Malaysia via commercial flights,” he told reporters after attending a community ginger harvesting programme in Kampung Gembut, Sedili here yesterday.

Khaled noted that only a small number of Malaysians are invol­ved and the repatriation efforts are being carried out by the Foreign Ministry.

Although Malaysia is not invol­ved in the Israel-Iran conflict, he said Putrajaya will continue to monitor the situation.

“Conflicts like this, if not resol­ved properly, could lead to a world war.

“When this happens, people all over the world will be affected as oil prices will spike and supplies cut off. Malaysia as a trading nation will also be affected,” he added.

The minister said the conflict provides a view of the technologies being deployed, which helps to better ensure Malaysia’s readiness in defence.

On June 13, Israel launched a series of strikes on Iranian terri­tory, reportedly killing several high-ranking military officials and scientists.

In retaliation, Iran fired ballistic missiles at several locations in Israel, resulting in multiple casualties and injuries.

Wisma Putra confirmed that no Malaysians in Iran have been reported affected by the attacks.

On Thursday, government spokesman Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said Malaysian students, tourists and embassy personnel would be assisted to leave Iran by Friday.

Malaysians in Iran may contact the Embassy of Malaysia in Tehe­ran at No. 25, 2nd Alley, North Zarafshan St., Shahrak-e-Gharb; call [phone], [phone] or [phone], or e-mail [e-mail] / [e-mail].