KUALA LUMPUR: Wisma Putra has taken note of claims circulating on social media that Malaysia's diplomatic mission in United Arab Emirates failed to assist a Malaysian stranded in Dubai, stressing that consular support operations have been running non-stop since the regional crisis erupted.
The Foreign Ministry said it fully understood the anxiety and distress faced by Malaysians following the sudden closure of airspace and cancellation of flights, particularly in major global transit hubs such as Dubai.
"It is estimated that some 29,000 Malaysians across the Middle East have been affected by the disruption.
"In the UAE alone, about 8,500 Malaysians are currently present, including residents as well as those transiting or stranded due to the recent flight cancellations. Of that number, around 5,900 individuals have formally registered their presence with Malaysian representatives.
"The figures are subject to change depending on travel movements and new registrations," it said in a statement on Tuesday (March 3).
The Malaysian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate-General of Malaysia in Dubai have been operating continuously, including over the weekend, since the crisis began.
"All official phone lines, duty officer lines and email channels remain fully active. In view of the high volume of calls received, officers have been returning missed calls and conducting follow-ups directly, including via messaging applications," it added.
The ministry added that its operations room in Putrajaya remains fully activated and is operating 24 hours a day to support coordination efforts and respond to public inquiries.
"Given the scale of the situation and the large number of Malaysians in the region, Malaysian diplomatic missions have implemented a prioritisation framework to ensure urgent cases receive immediate attention.
"Priority is being actively given to individuals with critical medical needs, those without accommodation or financial resources, senior citizens, families with young children, students, and anyone facing serious and immediate hardship," it said.
The structured approach ensures that assistance is channelled first to those in the most critical situations, while officers continue to provide guidance and support to all Malaysians in need, Wisma Putra said.
The ministry also expressed appreciation for the understanding and patience of Malaysians who are in safe conditions, as this allows officers to focus on genuinely urgent cases.
It reiterated that assistance is being extended to all Malaysians without discrimination, with the safety and welfare of citizens remaining the ministry's absolute priority.
Amid regional uncertainty, the ministry cautioned that the spread of incomplete or misleading information could unintentionally undermine public confidence and complicate ongoing coordination efforts.
"Malaysians requiring consular assistance are advised to first contact the nearest Malaysian diplomatic mission through official phone numbers and email addresses.
"If further assistance is required, the ministry's 24-hour Operations Room in Putrajaya can be reached at +603-8887 4570 or via email at dutyofficer@kln.gov.my.
"Officers at our missions in the affected region as well as at headquarters will continue to serve around the clock to safeguard the wellbeing of Malaysians during this challenging period," the ministry said.
