THE Foreign Ministry (Wisma Putra) has confirmed that a Malaysian citizen, Asrul Nizam Apridwson, 30, is missing following a landslide in Padang Panjang, West Sumatra, Indonesia, on 27 November.
In a statement today, the ministry said the Malaysian Consulate General in Medan is coordinating closely with Indonesia’s National Search and Rescue Agency (BASARNAS), the West Sumatra Regional Disaster Management Authority (BPBD), and the local police (Polres Padang Panjang) to monitor developments and facilitate the ongoing search and rescue operations.
The ministry also urged Malaysians in West Sumatra to follow all instructions from local authorities and to avoid areas prone to landslides and flooding, particularly the Padang-Bukittinggi route through the Lembah Anai region, which remains closed.
“Malaysians currently in affected areas are advised to register their presence with the Consulate General to enable timely assistance and communication,” the statement added.
The Consulate can be contacted 24 hours a day at +62 823-6164-6046 or via email at [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]).
In a broader advisory, the ministry called on all Malaysians travelling abroad to exercise heightened caution amid increasingly unpredictable weather, encouraging them to register their locations with the nearest Malaysian diplomatic mission or via the MyWorld Alert application.
Consul General of Malaysia in Songkhla, Thailand, Ahmad Fahmi Ahmad Sarkawi, highlighted the importance of preparedness for travellers, particularly in countries experiencing monsoon seasons or severe weather events.
He stressed that travel insurance covering natural disasters is essential. “Ensure your insurance covers disasters, so that in the event of any incident, you are protected against potential losses,” he said during a virtual briefing on Malaysia’s evacuation operations in flood-hit Hat Yai, southern Thailand.
Malaysia’s Ambassador to Thailand, Datuk Wan Zaidi Wan Abdullah, echoed the call for vigilance, urging Malaysians to keep the ministry informed, which would facilitate rescue or evacuation efforts during emergencies.
The ministry’s recent operations in Hat Yai successfully evacuated over 600 Malaysians affected by severe flooding that submerged large parts of the city.
The deluge followed days of intense rainfall and left electricity cut off, water supplies disrupted, vehicles submerged, and tourists stranded in high-rise buildings.
Ahmad Fahmi reported that 60 to 95 per cent of the floodwaters had receded, though some outlying areas remain waterlogged, with debris, damaged vehicles, and animal carcasses still obstructing main roads.
He warned that hotels in Hat Yai may not provide optimal services during recovery, advising Malaysians to postpone non-essential travel to the city.
Wan Zaidi praised Thai authorities for their support, including border officials who expedited travel and medical assistance for affected Malaysians.
He highlighted the role of over 100 Malaysian volunteers and NGOs in the operation, describing their efforts as exemplifying the values of “Malaysia Madani.”
While Malaysia has not restricted travel to southern Thailand or other regions, the Foreign Ministry emphasised that travellers must remain aware of potential disasters and take responsibility for their own safety, with advisories issued based on real-time conditions across ASEAN countries. - November 30, 2025
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