Itaewon Tragedy: Malaysia, Singapore Express Condolences to South Korea

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 31 (Bernama) -- Malaysian Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah expressed Malaysia's condolences to the people of South Korea for the stampede at the Halloween party in Itaewon district, Seoul, Saturday night. He also expressed sadness over the development of the tragedy which has killed 153 people. “On behalf of the people of Malaysia, I would like to express sincere condolences to the people of South Korea, our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families and we wish for a speedy recovery to those injured,” he said via his Twitter account Sunday night. He added that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through the Malaysian Embassy in Seoul, will continue to monitor the situation. Saifuddin also advised Malaysians who need consular assistance to contact the embassy via +821089748699. Meanwhile, 19 of the 153 killed were identified as foreigners from Iran, Uzbekistan, China and Norway, while another 82 were reported injured. In SINGAPORE, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong expressed his deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of the victims of the stampede in Itaewon, Seoul. “Our thoughts are with the people of South Korea during this difficult time, and I wish all the injured a swift recovery,” said Lee in a letter to South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol. The text of the letter is appended to the media. In the letter, Lee wrote that he was deeply saddened to hear about the stampede that took place on Oct 29. “It is especially heart-wrenching that many who died are young people,” said Lee. Singapore’s Foreign Ministry (MFA) said there are currently no reports of Singaporeans among the casualties or injured. “Singapore’s Embassy in Seoul is in close contact with the local authorities on the situation. MFA will continue to monitor the developments closely,” it said in a statement. -- BERNAMA