Malaysians in Saudi Arabia told to remain calm, follow instructions amid emergency alerts

People and pilgrims walk at the Grand Mosque Complex in Saudi Arabia’s holy city of Mecca. — Bernama pic

First Published: Thursday, 17 Sep 2026 10:05 AM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 17 — Malaysians who receive alerts through Saudi Arabia’s National Early Warning Platform are advised to remain calm, stay vigilant and strictly follow instructions issued by Saudi authorities.

The Consulate General of Malaysia in Jeddah also advised Malaysians to take appropriate safety precautions upon receiving an emergency alert.

“…including remaining indoors where possible, staying away from windows and open areas, seeking immediate shelter when outdoors, avoiding crowded or potentially unsafe locations, and continuing to monitor official announcements,” the consulate general said in a safety advisory posted on Facebook on Wednesday.

In case of an emergency, they can contact 911 for the Makkah and Madinah regions or 998 for other parts of the Kingdom.

Malaysians who require emergency consular assistance can contact the consulate general at +966 57 309 9589.

“The Malaysian community is strongly encouraged not to panic or circulate unverified information. Please rely only on information and instructions issued by the relevant official authorities,” the advisory read.

Saudi Arabia on Tuesday issued emergency alerts warning of a “potential danger” in Jeddah, Makkah and Taif through its National Early Warning Platform for Emergencies, amid heightened tensions with the Houthi group.

Saudi air defences intercepted and destroyed a drone launched by the Houthi group near Makkah on Tuesday, international media reported. — Bernama