Malaysian Family In Bahrain Adapts To Daily Explosions Amid Gulf Tensions During Ramadan

By Jailani Hasan

LABUAN, March 9 (Bernama) -- Explosions have been heard almost daily in several parts of Bahrain since the first blasts struck a United States military base in Juffair on Feb 28, forcing residents to remain on constant alert as tensions in the Gulf escalate.

For many residents, including Malaysian expatriates, listening to emergency sirens and monitoring updates from local authorities has become part of daily life to ensure safety.

Despite the tense environment, Muslims in the kingdom continue to observe Ramadan, though under circumstances far different from those of previous years.

A Malaysian working in Bahrain, Muhamad Nizam Shaidon, 43, said his family is still adapting to the sudden change in the security situation following the incident.

“It has been eight days since the explosions on Feb 28 at the US base. It has been physically and emotionally challenging for us as Malaysians living in Bahrain amid the current tensions,” he told Bernama when contacted today.

Nizam lives in Bahrain with his wife, Norhani Aida Mohd Nor, 42, and their two daughters, aged 10 and 13.

The sound of warning sirens, he said, has become increasingly common, particularly affecting children who are still trying to understand the situation.

“The sirens have become a regular occurrence. We are trying our best to remain calm, especially for the sake of the children, while closely following updates and instructions issued by the local authorities,” he said.

According to Nizam, daily routines, including fasting during Ramadan, continue with caution.

“This Ramadan, the atmosphere is certainly different. People are more alert and careful, yet we still try to carry on with our daily religious obligations,” he said.

Nizam also cited several recent incidents that had heightened concern among residents, including explosions at key locations in Bahrain.

One of the blasts occurred at the refinery facility of Bahrain Petroleum Company (BAPCO) in Ma’ameer, which he said was loud enough to be clearly heard from the hotel where he and his family are staying.

“The explosion at the Bahrain Petroleum Company (BAPCO) refinery facility in Ma’ameer was very loud, and we could hear it clearly from our hotel. It was quite alarming,” he said.

He also witnessed the aftermath of another blast at a residential tower in Juffair last Friday.

Several strikes have been reported, although many were intercepted by the Bahrain Defence Force.

Nizam expressed appreciation for the Malaysian government’s voluntary evacuation initiative for citizens wishing to return home, though logistical challenges remain due to temporary airspace closures in parts of the region.

“We understand that the airspace situation is complicated, and Malaysians who wish to return may need to travel through Saudi airspace. We truly appreciate the efforts of the Malaysian government in assisting its citizens,” he said.

Nizam, who previously worked with the Labuan Financial Services Authority before moving to Bahrain nearly 11 years ago, also thanked the Embassy of Malaysia in Manama and Ambassador Datuk Shazryll Zahiran for their support.

“We truly appreciate the efforts of the Malaysian government, through the coordination of the Malaysian Embassy, in assisting its citizens,” he said.

For now, Nizam and his family have decided to remain in Bahrain while closely observing safety measures and official directives.

He added that his employer continues to conduct daily risk assessments of the surrounding area, including the nearby Seef District commercial zone, to ensure their accommodation remains safe.

Nizam also expressed hope that the conflict in the region would end soon so that life could return to normal for residents in Bahrain, including the Malaysian community living there.

Bahrain hosts key military facilities, including the headquarters of the US Fifth Fleet in Juffair, placing the country at the centre of regional security dynamics.

-- BERNAMA