First batch of Malaysian nationals to return from Yemen

The first batch of Malaysians are expected to depart Sana'a, the capital of Yemen for Malaysia today, said the Foreign Ministry in a statement.

The statement said that in view of the current situation in Yemen and as a precautionary measure, the government decided to bring back the affected Malaysian nationals.

The National Security Council and the Foreign Ministry together with the embassy of Malaysia in Sana'a are working closely in coordinating the exercise.

"The government, through the embassy, has provided temporary accommodation to 449 Malaysians since Sept 19. The embassy will continue to provide assistance to all Malaysians with the support of the Malaysian Students Association in Yemen (PERMAYA) until their safe return to Malaysia," it said.

Yemen's latest conflict followed the battle between the Houthis movement and the military where the rebels managed to seize important institutions in the capital city.

Meanwhile, the ministry also advised all Malaysians to avoid or postpone all unnecessary travel to Yemen due to the current situation which it said remained fluid.

"The ministry also seeks the cooperation of Malaysians who are still in Yemen to register with the embassy if they have not done so," it said.

Malaysians who require assistance could contact the Malaysian Embassy in Yemen via 009671429781 and 009671429782 or e-mail mwsanaa@kln.gov.my.

According to the statement, the Malaysian Government while welcoming the recent peace agreement, hoped that all parties would honour the Peace and Partnership Agreement in Yemen, signed on Sept 21, and worked towards political stability and peace in the country.

Meanwhile, Bernama learnt that the affected Malaysians would be brought home from Yemen, transitting in Jeddah and Dubai before arriving in Kuala Lumpur.