PETALING JAYA: Wisma Putra has advised Malaysians to exercise vigilance and avoid areas of military activity and public gatherings in Iran and several of its neighbours.
It said non-essential travel to Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates should be deferred until the security situation stabilises.
It said Malaysians residing in or travelling to these countries should immediately register and update their contact details with the nearest Malaysian diplomatic mission or via e-Konsular at https://ekonsular.kln.gov.my to facilitate assistance if required.
“We are closely monitoring developments in the Middle East following the attacks and heightened escalation involving Iran and Israel.
“In light of the latest developments, including renewed military strikes and heightened security responses in parts of the region, airspace closures and flight disruptions have been reported in Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and the UAE.
“Malaysians in the region are strongly advised to anticipate sudden changes to flight schedules, possible airport closures and travel restrictions, and to make immediate contingency arrangements where necessary,” it added in a statement yesterday.
It said in the event of emergencies or if consular assistance was required, Malaysians should contact the nearest Malaysian diplomatic mission.
Meanwhile, Malaysia Airlines has extended its suspension of all flights to and from Doha, Jeddah and Madinah until Wednesday following earlier cancellations.
Several Malaysians took to social media to relate their experiences after flight delays left them stranded at airports.
Social media user @athirah_tewah wrote about her husband and fellow Malaysian pilgrims stranded in Madinah.
She said their flight from Madinah to Dubai was set for 7.10pm on Saturday, but was cancelled.
She said the group was still at the airport late in the evening, awaiting updates on their flight.
She later revealed they managed to find a hotel nearby to rest and that the situation in Madinah remained under control, although they were still waiting for confirmation from their airlines for their return trip home.
Aviation worker Roseline Ting, 30, wanted to return to Dubai to work but could not due to her flight from Kuala Lumpur being cancelled.
She said she she had been in Kuala Lumpur since December and kept delaying her return.
“But now that I finally decided to go back, this happens,” she lamented.
Ting, hailing from Setapak, said she has not yet booked another flight as she is waiting to see how the situation develops.
