MALAYSIANS in Myanmar have expressed disappointment with the Malaysian embassy in Yangon for failing to give them any sense of security as fears increase over the situation there.
They told The Malaysian Insight that they would rather go to the Singapore embassy for help in case things got worse, with daily protests and reports of military violence.
They accused the Malaysian embassy of not issuing any official statements, or keeping them informed of its action plan for emergency evacuation from the military-ruled country.
A Malaysian who only wanted to be known as Surya said that right now, he would rather go to the Singapore embassy, which was more than willing to help.
“I have a few good friends who are locals and also Malaysians who work in the embassy here, and they are the ones who share with me the updates on what is going on. There’s never an official statement from our embassy.
“Even for the relief flights that take place every three days, we do not get direct information. There are also two price tiers, where some get cheaper rates compared to the rest,” he told The Malaysian Insight.
Another Malaysian, who only wanted to be known as Mawi, hoped the Malaysian embassy would get in touch with its citizens in Myanmar to give them assurance and advice on the present situation.
“More importantly, they should give us the procedures and action plan for emergency evacuation.
“It’s been more than a month since the military coup and the embassy has been rather quiet, with no announcements of any action or contingency plans should there be a widespread life-threatening situation,” he said.
Another Malaysian, Chan, said that as of now, the Malaysian embassy had only asked them to fill up details in a Google sheet via social media page.
“The embassy should give us a sense of security and assurance as well. It should also work with relevant authorities to arrange our return flights back home. They aren’t doing these.
“This is why I would not go to the Malaysian embassy for help in case things get worse,” he said.
Fellow Malaysian Rahman said he hoped the embassy would send direct email and phone calls/WhatsApp to them on the standard operating procedure (SOP) during emergency.
He also said he would head straight to the airport or hide in his friend’s house rather than go to the Malaysian embassy when the need arises.
None of them wanted to reveal their full identities or their nature of business or work in Myanmar for fear of reprisal from the Malaysian embassy officials.
‘Crimes against humanity’
A source said the Foreign Affairs Ministry was closely monitoring the situation and would update the consular advisory accordingly.
The current advisory on Facebook urged Malaysians in Myanmar to exercise caution, be vigilant and prioritise personal safety at all times.
There are more than 600 Malaysians currently registered with the embassy in Myanmar.
AFP, meanwhile, reported yesterday that Britain had advised its citizens to flee Myanmar, as a UN expert warned the junta is likely committing “crimes against humanity” in its attempt to stay in power.
It was reported that the military authorities are cracking down with increasing severity on daily protests against the February 1 coup, with at least 70 people killed, according to the UN’s top rights expert on the country.
The turmoil prompted Britain, the country’s former colonial ruler, to urge its citizens to get out if they could, warning that “political tension and unrest are widespread since the military takeover and levels of violence are rising”.
At least 38 people were killed in anti-coup protests in Myanmar on Wednesday in the bloodiest crackdown yet on peaceful demonstrations against a military coup.
Security forces began the violent crackdown on Saturday, after weeks of largely peaceful protests against the February 1 military takeover.
Much of the country has been in uproar since troops deposed civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, with large street demonstrations in both urban centres and isolated villages.
Security forces have responded with increasing force, deploying troops against peaceful rallies and firing tear gas, water cannon and rubber bullets. – March 13, 2021.
Comments
Posted 3 years ago by Simple Sulaiman · Reply
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Posted 3 years ago by Edwin N · Reply
Posted 3 years ago by D G · Reply
Posted 3 years ago by Jason Varughese · Reply
I'm Malaysian and I working in Yangon, Malaysia Embassy in Yangon has helped me a lot and they are doing a great job!
Do not use your limited information and pen to erase other people's hard work, because this is an irresponsible action.
Posted 3 years ago by John Lim · Reply
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Posted 3 years ago by Sridhar Raman · Reply
Posted 3 years ago by Sridhar Raman · Reply
I also could see the hard work and excellent efforts from Embassy staff, MMBC ECs and members in arranging special flights bringing back Malaysian and Myanmar people back to Yangon.
Hope those person mentioned in the article, quickly contact Embassy or MMBC to inform your current situation, they are more than willing to help.
Posted 3 years ago by Joe Yew · Reply
Posted 3 years ago by Simon Chew · Reply
These are rough figure of Malaysian returning to Malaysia from Yangon since Apr 2020
Total Malaysians returned home since *09 Apr 2020 until 11 Mar 2021*
Approx. 450 Malaysian citizens some multiple in and out
Approx. 100 Malaysians who were stranded in Tachilek/other cities in Myanmar safely back in Malaysia with the help of Malaysia Embassy and Malaysia Myanmar Business chamber.
There are 3 weekly flight to KUL, and those felt unsafe should just take the relief flight back as there are no restriction stopping anyone to travel back to Malaysia. Use common sense to decide your best move and not relying on Embassy to help with "Evacuation" plan because there's no need for "Evacuation" at this time, proceed to buy ticket and get on the flight.
Do not write off hardwork by Embassy of Malaysia team in Yangon by drawing such conclusion and headline before first verify facts with other Malaysian who work here in Yangon.
Posted 3 years ago by David Wai · Reply
An excellent day to all,I wish to start my thoughts with a famous Pepatah Melayu HUJAN EMAS DI NEGERI ORANG HUJAN BATU DI NEGERI SENDIRIIn Negeri Hujan Batu is a HOME being a Malaysian we are able to enter with ease and the Embassy staff will go all out to assist us. While in Negeri Hujan Emas is a Fort Knox and their own citizens will not be able to enter without a pre-set appointment.
During Covid 19 the pandemic Embassy of Hujan Batu went all out to bring back many of its citizens back to Yangon. If some claim that Negeri Hujan Emas doing a super job then why the Citizen of Negeri Hujan Emas seek help from Negeri Hujan Batu. Kudos to the Embassy staff of Hujan Batu for assisting the citizens of Hujan Emas back to Yangon. Not one, Not two but Abundance of them.
Advice to my fellow friends if you feel not comfortable with the current situation there are three flights a week just book a flight and return and once things are back to normal then come back.
To the Embassy staff of Hujan Batu stay strong and carry on doing your routine and remember this, Divine is watching you and just ignores negative statements made in certain quarters.
S P Siva
Posted 3 years ago by S P Sivalinggam Palanivelo · Reply
Posted 3 years ago by Hassan Kassim · Reply