SHAH ALAM, March 4 — The state government is obtaining details from Wisma Putra about the number of Selangoreans in Saudi Arabia either affected by or stranded due to conflict in the Middle East.
Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said identity verification is important to facilitate the state government’s follow-up steps, especially as accommodation and transport costs in Makkah and Madinah are set to soar towards the end of Ramadan.
“We are in contact with and have sent letters to embassies and consulates to obtain a complete list of Selangoreans.
“In facing this crisis that could go on for one or two more months, the safety aspect is far more critical than financial or logistics issues, seeing as no final decisions can be made when it is a process of repatriation via commercial flights,” he said.
Amirudin was met after he presented Jom Shopping Aidilfitri vouchers to State Secretariat Building support staff at Masjid Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah here today, after a Selangor Economic Action Council meeting.
He also expressed gratitude to the Malaysian Consulate-General in Jeddah and Wisma Putra officers for their quick action in providing temporary protection to 12 people, including seven Selangorean students stranded in Saudi Arabia.
“The initiative to place them at the consulate led to the reduction of high costs while waiting for the group to start their journeys back to Jordan via land route on bus, which is expected to take 24 hours,” he said.
To ensure the welfare of Selangoreans, Amirudin said his office is monitoring the situation through two officers — state executive councillor for women empowerment and welfare Anfaal Saari and state executive councillor for rural development and unity Datuk Rizam Ismail — who are performing the umrah in Makkah.
“We are in touch with both councillors to get updates and prepare to channel additional support if Selangor residents there need it,” he said.
Today, Wisma Putra warned Malaysians of travel disruptions in the Middle East due to the closure or restriction of airspaces due to the United States and Israel’s attacks on Iran.
In a Facebook statement, Wisma Putra urged Malaysians there to be vigilant, avoid areas of military activity and public gatherings, and listen to authorities’ instructions.
On February 28, Israel and the US launched airstrikes on targets in Iran.
Iran responded by targeting US military bases and logistics facilities in several Middle Eastern countries, which led to airspace restrictions across the region.
