CLOSED borders, cancelled flights, stringent movement restrictions and a lack of communication have resulted in at least 150 Malaysians stranded in the Philippines for more than two months.

Among them are pregnant women, senior citizens and those who have lost their jobs due to the economic crisis brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Several in the group told The Malaysian Insight that they are running short of money, and to make matters worse, the Malaysian embassy in Manila has suggested that they charter their own flight home.

The Malaysian Insight has contacted Wisma Putra and is awaiting a response.

Lee Kee Kiong, a 34-year-old from Miri, Sarawak, shared how he and his wife, Cherie Liew, 26, are coping with life under lockdown with the birth of their second child mere weeks away.

Lee, who has been working as an administrative executive in the Philippine capital since March last year, said he and his wife were supposed to return to Malaysia two months ago. However, the lockdown put a stop to their plans.

He later learnt that two flights were sent to the Philippines last month to repatriate Malaysians, but since the announcements were posted on the embassy’s Facebook page, he and many others were not aware about them.

A total of 181 Malaysians were repatriated via those flights – 58 on April 5, and 123 on April 28.

“We were not aware or informed of the rescue flights in April. Not all of us have Facebook accounts.

“The embassy was not very helpful. When we asked them if there would be another flight, we received a ‘not sure’ answer.

“Who else do we turn to if not our own embassy?”

He said his wife is 30 weeks’ pregnant, and the couple are desperate to return to Malaysia as they are concerned about the quality of healthcare and their child’s nationality.

Lee has bought tickets with AirAsia for June 12, but if the lockdown is extended and they miss the date, he and his wife have no choice but to welcome their child in Manila, as it would be too risky for Liew to board a flight so late into her pregnancy.

On March 16, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte placed Luzon Island under an enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) to contain Covid-19’s spread.

Late last month, the government extended to May 15 the lockdown imposed on Manila and 17 provinces in Luzon deemed high-risk areas, while restrictions in other places were eased.

The extension saw several airlines cancelling their flights, leaving more people stranded.

Lim Chien Seng, 31, was supposed to return to Malaysia on March 26 after his work contract ended. However, the ECQ forced him to stay put.

The chef said he came to know about the chartered flight on April 28 from his sister, who noticed the announcement on the embassy’s Facebook page.

“For someone like me who works 12 hours in a restaurant, there is not much time to use Facebook. Also, I don’t follow them (the embassy’s page).”

Chien Seng said he is facing financial difficulties, and has had to tap into his savings.

“I’ve been spending on accommodation and meals since the lockdown started, and if this goes on, I’ll run out of cash soon.

“Since I can’t return to Malaysia, and my work permit has expired, I’m now on a tourist visa. I need to have cash for that as it is not waived.”

The Port Dickson, Negri Sembilan native said he wants to return home quickly as the number of coronavirus cases in the Philippines is worrying.

The country recorded 13,434 infections and 846 deaths as of yesterday.

As for 45-year-old Mary Lim Mei Lan from Sabah, her trip to the Philippines was supposed to be a church visit and holiday.

She arrived on March 11 and stayed in a hotel, but was asked to vacate the room after the lockdown was announced. A friend from a local church offered her a place to stay.

Mary said it is only right that she pay for food and accommodation, and fortunately, her family send her money.

The mother of two said her flight home booked for March 22 was cancelled, and she missed the two rescue flights last month due to a lack of funds and the late notice.

Kerson Wong, 34, from Yong Peng, Johor, was supposed to fly back home in March after quitting his job as a database administrator in Manila.

He said he was not aware of the embassy’s announcements on the repatriation flights last month.

He contacted the embassy later, and was told that Malaysians must charter their own flight home, which would cost between RM270,000 and RM400,000.

Wong created a WhatsApp group for a few stranded Malaysians, and learnt that not everyone is able to pay.

“They (embassy) also blamed us for missing the two repatriation flights. This is very upsetting.

“I still have money and a place to stay. So, it’s not a problem for me, but for the others, I don’t think so.

“Some have lost their jobs and are spending their savings. If we take the cheapest quotation, it would still cost each passenger around RM1,500,” he said, adding that the embassy told him to find a guarantor, whether a minister, MP or civil society group.

Wong, who is married and has a 4-year-old child, said he has had four flights – three with AirAsia and one with Philippine Airlines – cancelled since the lockdown was announced. – May 22, 2020.