Tok Mat: Govt to assist stranded Malaysians, but won't bear all costs
KUALA LUMPUR: The government will continue to assist Malaysians stranded overseas, including those without travel insurance, but will not bear the full financial burden of their repatriation, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan announced that Malaysia will continue to offer assistance to Malaysians stranded overseas, even if they lack travel insurance. However, the government will not assume the total financial responsibility for their return, according to the source <source e0729ee2-10e>. Consular services are extended depending on individual situations, encompassing contact with close relatives for stranded Malaysians.
In specific instances, efforts may also involve fundraising initiatives to aid those in distress. Mohamad addressed the House of Representatives in response to concerns raised by Datuk Seri Sh Mohmed Puzi Sh Ali regarding assistance for Malaysians without travel insurance or the financial means to cover their return. He mentioned numerous cases where Malaysians were misled by haj and umrah agents, particularly in Jeddah or Madinah, often due to illegal Haj arrangements or one-way ticket purchases without proper return tickets.
Despite the significant financial burden these cases pose, the government seeks support from various entities, with many individuals contributing to assist stranded Malaysians. The minister urged Malaysian citizens traveling or residing abroad to register their presence via the e-Konsular portal for expedited identification and aid during emergencies.
This registration enables the Foreign Ministry and Malaysian consulates to ascertain the whereabouts of Malaysians, especially during crises like earthquakes, typhoons, or conflicts. Additionally, the ministry provides the MyWorldAlert application, a rapid communication tool for distributing crucial information and alerts to Malaysians during emergencies.
The app also features a location-based communication feature through GPS, enabling Malaysians to contact Malaysian diplomatic missions abroad.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
