Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expresses Malaysia’s support for Saudi Arabia after a drone was intercepted near the holy city of Makkah.
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia has expressed support for Saudi Arabia following the interception of a drone near Makkah al-Mukarramah, saying any attempt to threaten the safety and sanctity of Islam’s holiest city was unacceptable.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia appreciated the swift action taken by Saudi authorities to safeguard residents and pilgrims in Makkah.
“I have been following reports of a drone being intercepted near Makkah al-Mukarramah. Any attempt that could threaten the safety and sanctity of Islam’s holiest city is completely unacceptable,” he said in a statement.
Saudi Arabia’s air defences intercepted and destroyed a drone south of Makkah on Tuesday before it entered the holy city’s restricted airspace, according to the Saudi-led coalition. The coalition said the drone was launched by Yemen’s Houthi group, although the Houthis have denied targeting Makkah.
The incident came after Saudi Arabia issued emergency alerts warning of a “potential danger” in Makkah, Jeddah and Taif on Tuesday. The alerts were subsequently lifted after authorities said the danger had passed.
Anwar said the incident highlighted the need for all parties to avoid actions that could further escalate tensions in the region.
He also called for an immediate halt to attacks on civilian areas, including any actions that could threaten the safety and sanctity of holy sites.
“All parties involved must choose the path of peace through dialogue to ease tensions and seek a solution without further delay,” he said.
Anwar said Malaysia stood in support of the Saudi government and valued the measures taken to maintain the safety of residents and pilgrims in Makkah.
Malaysians in Jeddah and Makkah were reported to be safe following the emergency alert issued by Saudi authorities yesterday.
Malaysian Consul-General in Jeddah Tengku Mohd Dzaraif Raja Abdul Kadir said the consulate had circulated an official graphic from the Saudi Interior Ministry through WhatsApp groups for Malaysians in the Hijazi region.
The Saudi Civil Defence had urged residents to remain calm, seek shelter indoors and stay away from open areas, windows, balconies and rooftops during the alert. Those outdoors were advised to enter the nearest building or seek cover behind a solid barrier.
Motorists who received an alert were instructed to pull over away from bridges and high-rise buildings, while the public was urged to avoid gatherings and dangerous areas and follow instructions through official channels.
The alerts came amid escalating clashes between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis, who have carried out a series of missile and drone attacks on Saudi territory in recent days. Saudi forces have responded with strikes on Houthi positions in Yemen.
