Government evacuates 11 Malaysians from Tripoli

The Malaysian government evacuated 11 Malaysian citizens, including eight students, two Embassy officials and a businessman from Tripoli, following the worsening security situation in Libya due to on-going internal conflict.

Foreign Affairs minister, Datuk Seri Anifah Aman said the evacuation process was carried out from Tripoli to Tunis via Misurata Airport Tunisia on Aug 3.

“They will then be flown back to Malaysia and are expected to arrive Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) soon,” he said in a press statement.

He said there are a total of 28 Malaysians residing in Libya of which 11 are students, 15 are private sector employees and two are Embassy officials.

“Of the 11 students, one had left Libya earlier to celebrate Hari Raya in Malaysia while two students have decided to remain in Libya and their welfare are being looked after by their college (International Islamic Call College).

“The two students have been moved to a safer place called Zawiyah, approximately 30 kilometers from Tripoli.

“The other Malaysians working in the Libyan private sector have been advised to evacuate as soon as possible and their respective employers are looking after their safety and well being,” he said.

Anifah added that his ministry has been working closely with the National Security Council (MKN) as well as the Honorary Consul of Malaysia in Tunisia to ensure that the evacuation process carried out smoothly.

“With the evacuation, the Malaysian Embassy in Tripoli is now temporarily closed. In this context, the Embassy of Malaysia in Algeria has been designated to look after Malaysia’s interest in Libya.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to monitor closely the developments in Libya. All Malaysians are advised not to undertake any travelling to Libya,” he added.