KUCHING: Malaysians have been advised to defer their travel plans to Iran as well as nearby countries following the escalating tension in the Middle East, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said.

Wisma Putra, he said, is closely monitoring the latest developments surrounding the Middle East crisis following the attack launched by Iran against Israel.

Fadillah said this is to allow the government to take the next course of action, including evacuating Malaysians from the affected countries, if necessary.

"Malaysians should also be aware with the current situation in the region. At the moment, please avoid going to high-risk locations, especially Iran as well as nearby countries affected by the crisis.

"Wisma is closely monitoring the situation and the safety of Malaysians wherever they are from time to time," he told reporters after attending Aidilfitri open house hosted by Sarawak Premier's chief political secretary Fazruddin Abdul Rahman here today.

The government, he said, always keeps track of developments in the region and is ready to evacuate Malaysian citizens from crisis-hit countries if necessary.

"If needed, we will evacuate our people from any place that may pose a risk of war," he said.

Asked on Malaysians planning to perform Umrah and Haj, he said they should follow the advice from Wisma Putra on if they can proceed or otherwise.

He added that potential Umrah and Haj pilgrims should stay updated on the current situation in the Middle East.

Regarding Malaysia Airlines' (MAS) decision to change its flight routes between Kuala Lumpur and London to avoid Iranian airspace due to escalating tensions, Fadillah said it was a necessary step to ensure the safety of the aircraft and their passengers.

"When international conflicts arise, airlines typically comply with international flight directives to change routes, and similar situations have occurred during the Russia-Ukraine war.

"In this case, it is certain that in Malaysia, not only MAS but other airlines as well will follow suit," he said.

Reuters reported that Iran launched a swarm of explosive drones and fired missiles at Israel late on Saturday.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed the attack, describing it as part of the retaliation for the attack on the Iranian consulate in Syria on April 1.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/04/1037733/middle-east-crisis-malaysians-advised-defer-travel-plans-iran-nearby