KUALA LUMPUR: Only about 6,000 Malaysians registered with Wisma Putra’s e-Konsular system last year despite hundreds of thousands travelling overseas, says Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
The Foreign Minister said the low number made it harder for the ministry and Malaysian missions abroad to reach Malaysians when emergencies happen.
Mohamad urged Malaysians going overseas to register their travel plans, where they will be staying and a contact number through the e-Konsular system.
“Hundreds of thousands of Malaysians travel overseas, but only slightly more than 6,000 filled in e-Konsular.
“When something happens, people ask the government to act. But how can we contact them if we do not know where they are?” he said during Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat on Thursday (Oct 22).
He said e-Konsular gives Wisma Putra and Malaysian embassies a way to contact Malaysians who are working, living or travelling overseas during an emergency.
Only basic details are needed, he said, including the traveller’s destination, contact number and, where possible, their address abroad.
Mohamad said those taking part in higher-risk activities, such as hiking and expeditions, should make sure to register before travelling.
He was responding to a supplementary question from Datuk Seri Mohd Isam Mohd Isa (BN-Tampin), who asked what was being done to encourage more Malaysians to register through e-Konsular.
Mohd Isam said updated travel and location details were important to help authorities act quickly during emergencies, especially when Malaysians were involved in high-risk activities.
The issue was raised following the disaster in Rasuwa, Nepal, on Aug 26, which left dozens of Malaysians uncontactable.
Of the 55 Malaysians initially reported missing, one was found safe and returned home on Oct 2. The remaining 54 have yet to be found.
