THE government is in the final stages of preparing an evacuation operation for citizens stranded in several countries affected by escalating tensions in the Middle East, authorities confirmed today.
In a statement, the (NSC) said the operation is being carried out under the directive of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who instructed that all necessary measures be mobilised immediately to safeguard the welfare and security of Malaysians in the region.
“National Security Council (NSC) will coordinate this operation in close collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through Malaysian Representative Offices in the relevant countries,” the statement read.
MKN and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will provide regular updates on the operation until all Malaysians are safely repatriated.
“The Malaysian government will do everything within its capacity to ensure that affected citizens can return home safely,” it added.
Malaysians currently stranded in the region have been urged to notify Wisma Putra if they have secured return flights to facilitate data management and logistical planning.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan noted that some individuals had failed to contact the ministry or embassies after obtaining tickets, complicating monitoring efforts.
“Our teams, including embassy staff, are monitoring and contacting Malaysians stranded across several countries in the Middle East on a daily basis to update information.
“They are requested to inform Wisma Putra once they have secured flights home. This is essential to allow the ministry to maintain an up-to-date list of stranded nationals,” Mohamad said after attending a Ramadan aid distribution event in Taman Kelab Tuanku, Mambau.
As of last night, Wisma Putra reported that the number of Malaysians stranded in the region had decreased to 641.
All those contacted by Malaysian diplomatic missions, including Malaysian Armed Forces personnel serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), have been confirmed safe.
Mohamad added that more than half of the stranded Malaysians have already returned home.
“There are daily repatriations, but flight availability remains limited. For example, Emirates previously operated three daily flights to Kuala Lumpur but now only one remains,” he said, emphasising that priority is given to citizens stranded abroad rather than those choosing to remain in the region.
The Cabinet-approved evacuation plan, Mohamad said, will be activated as required to assist citizens, including students.
He noted that the security situation in the region has reportedly begun to stabilise following statements by Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian that attacks on Gulf countries will not occur for the time being.
Nonetheless, he stressed that the government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Security Council, will continue to monitor developments in the region daily.
“We expect the conflict is not yet over and may continue because Iran has its own strength, while the United States seeks changes in Iran’s leadership. Until this occurs, I do not anticipate a near-term resolution, especially as the US continues to deploy additional troops to the Gulf,” he said.
Mohamad reiterated his advice for Malaysians planning to travel to the region, including for Umrah, to postpone their trips temporarily.
“The situation is unpredictable, and the area could become a conflict zone. Should hostilities resume, airspace could be closed, restricting movement and potentially leaving people stranded,” he warned. - March 9, 2026
