Malaysians urged to stay vigilant as Mount Sinabung erupts, flights disrupted, thousands evacuated

Jakarta, September 1 — Malaysians who are in or planning to visit Karo Regency in North Sumatra have been warned to stay alert and steer clear of the vicinity surrounding Mount Sinabung following its eruption on Monday. The eruption caused flight disruptions and led to the evacuation of over 2,400 residents. The Consulate General of Malaysia in Medan issued a statement on Tuesday urging Malaysians to adhere to the directives provided by Indonesian authorities.

Several flights at Medan’s Kualanamu International Airport, a crucial entry point to North Sumatra, were reportedly delayed or cancelled due to volcanic ash. The Consulate stated that travelers to or from Medan by air should reach out to their respective airlines for the most recent information on flight delays, rescheduling, or cancellations.

Mount Sinabung erupted at 10:17am local time on Monday, ejecting a dense plume of volcanic ash approximately 3.5 kilometers above its peak. In response, Indonesia’s Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) elevated Mount Sinabung’s alert level from Level II (Alert) to Level III (Standby) at 12:30pm, citing heightened volcanic activity observed through visual and instrumental monitoring.

Subsequently, the Indonesian Geological Agency ordered the evacuation of 2,451 residents from nearby villages as a preventive measure. Malaysian nationals affected by the situation or in need of consular assistance can reach out to the Consulate via telephone: +62 823 6164 6046, or via email: mwmedan@kln.gov.my. The Consulate emphasized that it would continue to closely monitor the situation and release updates should there be any significant developments.