KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysians residing in India and Pakistan, particularly students, have been urged to remain vigilant and avoid high-risk areas, especially in Kashmir, as cross-border attacks between the two countries escalate.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan also advised citizens to get in touch with the respective Malaysian High Commissions and provide accurate personal details to ensure swift communication and assistance, should the need arise, Bernama reported.
“Malaysians there, especially students, are advised to avoid visiting dangerous places, especially in Kashmir, and cancel their trips there. So far, no Malaysians have been affected,” he said during a press conference after officiating the Parent-Teacher Association meeting at Sekolah Kebangsaan Senawang 3 in Seremban.
Mohamad, who is also Rembau MP, reiterated Malaysia’s call for both India and Pakistan to refrain from further escalating tensions.
He said Wisma Putra is closely monitoring the developments and has released a statement expressing concern over the deteriorating situation.
“We are very concerned about this situation, especially the incidents of shooting using drones and rockets which need to be avoided. I hope the leaders of these two countries can think of the bigger picture rather than looking at the situation which could cause the country to be affected,” he said.
The situation in the region has intensified following Pakistan’s launch of “Operation Bunyan-ul-Marsoos” in retaliation to India’s reported aerial strikes on several Pakistani airbases, including Nur Khan.
In response, Indian authorities have imposed flight restrictions across several northern and western airports, including those in Amritsar, Jammu, Srinagar, Jodhpur, and Shimla. All civilian flights at 32 airports have been suspended until May 15, according to the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
International responses have followed swiftly, with the United States calling for restraint. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged both countries to seek diplomatic solutions and re-establish communication channels to prevent further missteps.
“Secretary Rubio emphasised that both sides need to identify methods to de-escalate and re-establish direct communication to avoid miscalculation,” said State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce.
Rubio also expressed the US’ willingness to assist in facilitating dialogue to prevent further disputes, during separate discussions with Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. He has also held talks with Pakistan’s army chief, General Syed Asim Munir.
China has also weighed in, urging India and Pakistan to prioritise regional peace and stability. A spokesperson for Beijing’s foreign ministry expressed deep concern over the rising hostilities and called on both sides to remain calm and resolve differences through peaceful political means.
“China urges both parties to act in the interest of mutual peace and stability, remain calm and cautious, and avoid taking actions that could aggravate the situation. This is vital for the fundamental interests of both nations and the expectations of the international community,” the spokesperson said, adding that China is prepared to play a constructive role in easing tensions. – May 10, 2025