M'sian diaspora in Qatar conducts evacuation drills for war threats

DOHA, (Qatar): The Malaysian diaspora in Qatar is taking proactive steps to strengthen emergency preparedness by conducting evacuation drills, including simulations involving war and nuclear threats.

Malaysian Ambassador to Qatar Faizal Razali said the initiatives, organised by the Malaysian community through the Malaysian Association in Qatar (MAQ), also involved Malaysians in Bahrain as part of preparations for possible security crises in the region.

He said MAQ, which brings together about 30 community clubs, played an important role as a support network for the Malaysian Embassy, particularly in assisting Malaysians during crises.

"MAQ, together with the community leaders and appointed focal points, has successfully helped the embassy manage about 6,000 Malaysians during crises, including arranging their evacuation and return to Malaysia," he said at a gathering between Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil and the Malaysian diaspora here yesterday.

Faizal said MAQ also organised various interactive activities, including talks and online concerts, to help ease the anxiety of Malaysians during crises.

He said about 6,200 Malaysians lived in Qatar, working in various professional and essential sectors, and described the community as one of the most active, well-organised and patriotic Malaysian communities in the region.

Faizal also expressed appreciation to community leaders and appointed focal points for their commitment to supporting the embassy in looking after the welfare of Malaysians.

"Malaysians in Qatar are among the most disciplined, supportive of one another and patriotic, and they always uphold Malaysia's good name.

"Even the Qatari government holds our people in high regard and recognises their expertise," he said.

Faizal said the spirit of unity among Malaysians in Qatar was also strengthened through the organisation of the Malaysia Qatar Games, featuring 16 sports, adding that a recent dragon boat event attracted about 200 participants, with total attendance, including spectators, reaching approximately 500.

The Malaysia Business Associations Council had also been established to promote economic cooperation between Malaysia and Qatar, while the Qampung youth association remained active in social, cultural and patriotic activities.

Faizal said Fahmi's visit to Doha also helped strengthen ties between Malaysians living abroad and the government, despite their distance from home.

Meanwhile, Malaysian Edwin John Clement Henry, 49, said access to accurate and reliable information was important to prevent confusion, particularly amid geopolitical tensions in West Asia and the spread of rumours on social media.

Edwin, who has lived in Qatar since 2007, said there was a perception among people back home that Malaysians in the country were unsafe and needed to be evacuated.

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However, he said this did not reflect the situation he and his family were experiencing in Qatar.

"I can say that we feel safe despite these geopolitical issues. My family and I feel very safe here," said Edwin, who is from Selangor.

An active MAQ member, Edwin said face-to-face engagements with government leaders were important as they allowed the diaspora to obtain direct clarification on current developments and government policies.

He said the meeting with the Communications Minister also provided an opportunity for Malaysians abroad to raise issues affecting their daily lives, including the government's efforts to strengthen child protection against paedophilia and online crimes. — BERNAMA