KUCHING: A Sarawak leader hopes for the safe return of Malaysians stranded in the Middle East.
State Deputy Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu said many Malaysians had been affected by the regional conflict, including muay thai fighter Johan Ghazali Zulfikar and his family.
"I hope all those stranded will remain patient and calm. We pray they can return safely to Malaysia," he said, adding that he learned of Johan's plight from social media.
Rentap spoke to reporters after a buka puasa meal with the state youth organisation Saberkas' sports, recreation and culture subcommittee on Monday night (March 2).
Sarawak-born Johan, better known as Jojo, said in a social media post on Sunday (March 1) that he and his family were stranded in Mecca after their flight was cancelled.
They had travelled to Saudi Arabia to perform the umrah.
Rentap condemned the US-Israel attacks on Iran, saying the world needed stability and peace.
"The attacks should not have happened. It's like a big brother bullying others," he said.
He also voiced concern that the conflict could affect the hajj season, which starts next month.
It could disrupt pilgrims' travel plans and have financial implications, he said.
