The Malaysian Insight

MALAYSIANS in Myanmar have expressed disappointment with the Malaysian embassy in Yangon for failing to give them any sense of security as fears increase over the situation there.

They told The Malaysian Insight that they would rather go to the Singapore embassy for help in case things got worse, with daily protests and reports of military violence.

They accused the Malaysian embassy of not issuing any official statements, or keeping them informed of its action plan for emergency evacuation from the military-ruled country.

A Malaysian who only wanted to be known as Surya said that right now, he would rather go to the Singapore embassy, which was more than willing to help.

“I have a few good friends who are locals and also Malaysians who work in the embassy here, and they are the ones who share with me the updates on what is going on. There’s never an official statement from our embassy.

“Even for the relief flights that take place every three days, we do not get direct information. There are also two price tiers, where some get cheaper rates compared to the rest,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

Another Malaysian, who only wanted to be known as Mawi, hoped the Malaysian embassy would get in touch with its citizens in Myanmar to give them assurance and advice on the present situation.

“More importantly, they should give us the procedures and action plan for emergency evacuation.

“It’s been more than a month since the military coup and the embassy has been rather quiet, with no announcements of any action or contingency plans should there be a widespread life-threatening situation,” he said.

Another Malaysian, Chan, said that as of now, the Malaysian embassy had only asked them to fill up details in a Google sheet via social media page.

“The embassy should give us a sense of security and assurance as well. It should also work with relevant authorities to arrange our return flights back home. They aren’t doing these.

“This is why I would not go to the Malaysian embassy for help in case things get worse,” he said.

Fellow Malaysian Rahman said he hoped the embassy would send direct email and phone calls/WhatsApp to them on the standard operating procedure (SOP) during emergency.

He also said he would head straight to the airport or hide in his friend’s house rather than go to the Malaysian embassy when the need arises.

None of them wanted to reveal their full identities or their nature of business or work in Myanmar for fear of reprisal from the Malaysian embassy officials.

‘Crimes against humanity’

A source said the Foreign Affairs Ministry was closely monitoring the situation and would update the consular advisory accordingly.

The current advisory on Facebook urged Malaysians in Myanmar to exercise caution, be vigilant and prioritise personal safety at all times.

There are more than 600 Malaysians currently registered with the embassy in Myanmar.

AFP, meanwhile, reported yesterday that Britain had advised its citizens to flee Myanmar, as a UN expert warned the junta is likely committing “crimes against humanity” in its attempt to stay in power.

It was reported that the military authorities are cracking down with increasing severity on daily protests against the February 1 coup, with at least 70 people killed, according to the UN’s top rights expert on the country.

The turmoil prompted Britain, the country’s former colonial ruler, to urge its citizens to get out if they could, warning that “political tension and unrest are widespread since the military takeover and levels of violence are rising”.

At least 38 people were killed in anti-coup protests in Myanmar on Wednesday in the bloodiest crackdown yet on peaceful demonstrations against a military coup.

Security forces began the violent crackdown on Saturday, after weeks of largely peaceful protests against the February 1 military takeover.

Much of the country has been in uproar since troops deposed civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, with large street demonstrations in both urban centres and isolated villages.

Security forces have responded with increasing force, deploying troops against peaceful rallies and firing tear gas, water cannon and rubber bullets. – March 13, 2021.