Malaysian Diaspora In Qatar Conducts Evacuation Drills For War Threats

By Samantha Tan Chiew Tieng

DOHA, Nov 8 (Bernama) -- 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  Fahmi Fadzil and the Malaysian diaspora here on Saturday. 

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.

-- BERNAMA