The situation in Istanbul is scary, tanks are patrolling everywhere and sounds of fighter jets can be heard every time, said a Malaysian currently in Turkey following an attempted coup in that country.
Recalling the anxious moment, Aizat Shamsuddin, 24, said he was on a bus ride to the Ataturk airport in Istanbul when he was detained by military personnel.
"The bus driver ordered us to get out because the military did not permit us to go to the airport.
"They (soldiers) put up road blocks in all areas and did not allow the people to pass through, I took a taxi and use another route but was not successful," he told Bernama via WhatsApp.
Aizat is on his way to Durban, South Africa to attend a conference organised by a non governmental organisation and made a seven-hour transit in Istanbul before taking a connecting flight.
He said there was a small group of Turks who tried to create provocation and protest against the military personnel at the road blocks.
According to him, the group's action made them fired several shots into the air as a warning.
"Together with several of their people I ran following the shooting because I was concern for my safety.
"The sound of azan can be heard each time and this is really a frightening experience and I hope nothing bad happens," he said.
Aizat said he had contacted the Malaysian Embassy in Turkey and was now at the lobby of a hotel located five kms from the Ataturk airport.
"I got into a car belonging to a Turkish Airlines flight attendant to the hotel...imagine eight people in a car as big as a Perodua Axia.
"In order to save ourselves, we are willing to huddle together...there are soliders everywhere and this is a horrible experience...hope everyone is safe," he added.
The Turkish military attempted a coup on Friday that resulted in chaos when it dominated the roads in Ankara and Istanbul.
China's Xinhua news agency reported that military deployment armed with heavy weapons could be seen early Saturday morning in Ankara, Turkey's capital and Istanbul, the most populous city in that country.
In a media conference in Istanbul, Turkist President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was reported to have said those involved in the coup attempt would be punished and the mission to completely wipe out the traitors in the Turkish army had already began.
Bernama
Sat Jul 16 2016
A man approaches Turkish military with his hands up at the entrance to the partially shut down Bosphorus bridge in Istanbul on July 16, 2016. - AFP Photo
Is climate change making tropical storms more frequent? Scientists say it's unclear
Scientists say it remains unclear how much climate change is reshaping the storm season.
Samples obtained by Chinese spacecraft show moon's ancient volcanism
The material provides new insight into the moon's geological history including the oldest evidence to date of lunar volcanism.
The scamdemic targeting the young and vulnerable
Teenagers and young adults are becoming prime targets for a new wave of cyber scams, a trend raising alarm bells across Southeast Asia.
Japanese manicurist takes on plastic pollution, one nail at a time
Before global leaders address plastic pollution, a Japanese manicurist highlights the issue by incorporating it into her nail designs.
What to watch for ahead of US presidential inauguration
Here's a timeline of events between now and inauguration day.
The battle to reduce road deaths
In Malaysia, over half a million road accidents have been recorded so far this year.
Pro-Palestinian NGOs seek court order to stop Dutch arms exports to Israel
The Dutch state, as a signatory to the 1948 Genocide Convention, has a duty to take all reasonable measures at its disposal to prevent genocide.
How quickly can Trump's Musk-led efficiency panel slash US regulations?
Moves by Trump and his appointees to eliminate existing rules will be met with legal challenges, as many progressive groups and Democratic officials have made clear.
2TM: Consultations on PTPTN loans, admission to IPTA at MOHE booth
Consultations on PTPTN loans and admission to IPTA are among services provided at the Higher Education Ministry booth.
Kampung Tanjung Kala residents affected by flooded bridge every time it rains heavily
Almost 200 residents from 60 homes in Kampung Tanjung Kala have ended up stuck when their 200-metre (m) long concrete bridge flooded.
COP29 climate summit draft proposes rich countries pay $250 billion per year
The draft finance deal criticised by both developed and developing nations.
Bomb squad sent to London's Gatwick Airport after terminal evacuation
This was following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage.
Kelantan urges caution amidst northeast monsoon rains
Kelantan has reminded the public in the state to refrain from outdoor activities with the arrival of the Northeast Monsoon season.
Former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern receives UN leadership award
Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern was given a global leadership award by the United Nations Foundation.
ICC'S arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant an apt decision - PM
The decision of the ICC to issue arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant is apt, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
KTMB provides two additional ETS trains for Christmas, school holidays
KTMB will provide two additional ETS trains for the KL Sentral-Padang Besar route and return trips in conjunction with the holidays.
BNM'S international reserves rise to USD118 bil as at Nov 15, 2024
Malaysia's international reserves rose to US$118.0 billion as at Nov 15, 2024, up from US$117.6 billion on Oct 30, 2024.
Findings by dark energy researchers back Einstein's conception of gravity
The findings announced are part of a years-long study of the history of the cosmos focusing upon dark energy.
NRES responds to Rimbawatch press release on COP29
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) wishes to offer the following clarifications to the issues raised.
Online Safety Bill and Anti-Cyberbullying Laws must carefully balance rights and protections
The Online Safety Advocacy Group (OSAG) stands united with people in Malaysia in the fight against serious online harms.