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MALAYSIA has not activated any evacuation plan for its citizens in Qatar or other Gulf states despite heightened regional tensions in the Middle East, the Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said on Tuesday.
Speaking during oral question time in the Dewan Negara, Mohamad said the situation in Qatar and neighbouring Gulf countries remained under control, although the broader security environment in the Middle East was uncertain and had disrupted travel and public movement.
“We are reviewing and monitoring the situation there, and the current circumstances do not yet warrant activating an evacuation plan,” he said.
He was responding to a question from Senator Azahar Hassan regarding the government’s measures to assist Malaysians reportedly stranded in Qatar and other parts of the Middle East due to escalating tensions.
Mohamad said the Foreign Ministry, known as Wisma Putra, had nevertheless taken proactive steps to safeguard Malaysians, particularly those affected by flight disruptions and movement restrictions.
A 24-hour operations room has been set up, and Malaysians have been urged to remain in contact with consular offices in the countries concerned, while embassies continue to monitor developments closely.
“At present, there are approximately 29,000 Malaysians in the Gulf states, with about 13,000 of them registered with the embassies. In Qatar alone, 2,007 Malaysians are registered and most of them work with airlines and related sectors,” he said.
He stressed that the government’s immediate priority was assisting Malaysians in transit in Dubai, Oman, Abu Dhabi and Doha.
Those residing in the countries concerned were not facing major difficulties as they had accommodation and adequate facilities.
Mohamad added that discussions were under way with the Lembaga Tabung Haji to utilise accommodation facilities owned by the pilgrimage fund in Jeddah to assist Malaysians affected by flight cancellations.
The government is also managing individual cases, including stranded students, by arranging temporary placement at embassy premises where necessary. He expressed hope that umrah operators would assume responsibility for their respective pilgrims.
“For now, Malaysian airlines are not continuing flights to Saudi Arabia even though its airspace remains open. This is most likely because insurance companies have raised their premiums, affecting the viability of operations, and we are addressing this issue,” he said. - March 3, 2026
