Malaysian Embassy In Qatar Launches Online Programme To Help Ease Stress Among Malaysians

KUALA LUMPUR, March 5 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Embassy in Qatar will organise two online programmes aimed at reducing stress and boosting the motivation and confidence of 142 Malaysians currently stranded in the country following heightened tensions in the Middle East.

Malaysia’s Ambassador to Qatar, Mohd Faizal Razali, said the programmes include a mind forum that will discuss how to cope with the current situation in the country, as well as a Ramadan Unplugged music programme featuring Qatari musicians.

“I hope Malaysians in Qatar will support these programmes and remain united during these difficult times,” he said when appearing virtually on Bernama TV’s Malaysia Petang Ini: West Asia Conflict – Latest Situation in Qatar programme on Thursday.

He said that 142 Malaysians are currently in transit in Qatar, all of whom have been identified and are staying at several hotels around Doha. They are passengers of Malaysia Airlines and Qatar Airways.

Representatives from the Malaysian Embassy have also been stationed at the same hotels to ensure their welfare is properly looked after, he added.

Mohd Faizal said the situation in Qatar remains uncertain at present. However, all 5,500 Malaysians in the country are safe and there have been no reports of injuries involving any Malaysians.

He said the embassy continues to advise Malaysians in Qatar to follow updates only from official sources, particularly notices issued by the embassy, Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Interior and the country’s defence authorities.

“Malaysians are also advised not to share unverified information. Qatar has strict laws regarding the dissemination of information, and Malaysians must always comply with these laws,” he said.

According to Mohd Faizal, Qatar’s airspace has yet to reopen, although the country’s land borders remain open and flight operations in Riyadh and Muscat have resumed.

He said Malaysians with urgent needs may opt to travel overland to Saudi Arabia, although the option is not encouraged and would need to be arranged independently.

“The Malaysian Embassy in Qatar will assist as much as possible, including up to the Qatar–Saudi Arabia border,” he said.

Mohd Faizal also urged families of Malaysians in Qatar not to worry, as the safety and welfare of Malaysians in the country are being closely monitored and food supplies remain sufficient.

Tensions in the Middle East have escalated since last Saturday (Feb 28) when Israel and its ally, the United States, launched attacks on Iran, prompting Tehran to retaliate against US interests in the Gulf.

As a result, several Gulf countries have closed their airspace or imposed limited flight routes, forcing airlines based in the region to suspend operations and leaving thousands of passengers from various countries stranded.

-- BERNAMA