KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 26 — Thirteen Malaysians, including students, have opted to stay in Iran despite being offered help to come home following heightened tensions between the United States and Iran.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said Putrajaya has issued multiple travel advisories on the matter.
“The government has advised them to return, but they decided to stay. They have therefore signed indemnity letters stating that the government cannot be held responsible should anything untoward occur,” he said during Minister’s Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Mohamad said this in reply to Datuk Khlir Mohd Nor (PN-Ketereh) about the number of Malaysians in Iran and the government’s plans to evacuate them in the event of armed conflict between Washington and Tehran.
Mohamad said the government has taken precautionary steps by repatriating family members of Malaysian diplomatic staff in Tehran.
“Eleven family members were brought home on January 18, while embassy officers, including the Malaysian ambassador, were recalled on February 2 for consultations and to assess the situation,” he said.
He added that two travel advisories had been issued, and urged Malaysians to avoid travelling to Iran unless absolutely necessary.
The government will continue to monitor developments through reports from Malaysia’s representatives in the region and take appropriate action should the situation deteriorate, Mohamad said.
