Embassy: 127 Malaysians Left Labuan Bajo Following Mount Lewotobi Volcano Eruption

By Mohd Iswandi Kasan Anuar

JAKARTA, 15 Nov (Bernama) -- A total of 161 Malaysians have reported their presence in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara, from 10 Nov until Friday, according to the Malaysian Embassy in Jakarta.

Of that number, 127 individuals have left Labuan Bajo via sea or air transport after domestic flight operations resumed on Wednesday.

“Two individuals have arrived in Jakarta, 21 in Surabaya, 34 in Bali, and 20 in Lombok, to continue their journey back to Malaysia or to other destinations,” the embassy said in a statement.

According to the embassy, 50 individuals have confirmed their safe arrival in Malaysia.

Embassy staff in Labuan Bajo are currently assisting 34 individuals who remain in the area, including three who have recently reported their presence in the Larantuka district.

For advice and consular assistance in Labuan Bajo, Malaysians can contact +62 813 8081 3036 or visit Room 811 at the Laprima Hotel. For those in Bali, they can contact Drs. Panudiana Kuhn, the Honorary Consul of Malaysia in Bali, at +623 6175 1953 or via email at panudiana.kuhn@gmail.com.

The embassy continues to monitor the situation following the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki on Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara, which led to the temporary closure of airspace and flight operations from Nov 9 to 13, as well as disruptions to several flights, including in Bali and Lombok, on Wednesday.

The embassy stated that domestic flights in Labuan Bajo, as well as domestic and international flights in Bali and Lombok, have reportedly resumed operations on Friday.

Indonesian authorities have maintained the alert status of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki at the highest level, Level IV.

“Malaysian citizens planning to visit or travel to locations at risk of being affected are advised to stay updated on the latest volcanic activity and plan their travel accordingly,” the embassy added.

-- BERNAMA