M'SIANS URGED TO BE CAUTIOUS, AVOID PLACES AFFECTED BY RIOTS

By Manik Mehta

LONDON, Aug 11 (Bernama) -- In the wake of riots and looting in the United
Kingdom, Malaysians visiting or living in the UK have been urged to exercise
maximum caution and avoid areas that are presently characterised by rioting and
violence.

"We've issued a safety advisory asking Malaysians to be cautious and be
aware of the present uneasy situation in the country which they should bear in
mind while travelling," Zakaria Sulong, the London-based Malaysian high
commissioner told Bernama.

Zakaria explained that the high commission had issued a safety advisory
which was different from a travel advisory.

"We haven't issued any travel advisory. We've merely asked our nationals to
be cautious and take maximum precaution about their safety," he clarified.

Zakaria urged Malaysian nationals to check the high commission’s website
which had posted a "safety advice" for them.


The advisory reads: "Following the spread of riots and violent protests in
various areas in London and a few other cities in the United Kingdom, all
Malaysians living in or visiting the United Kingdom are advised to exercise
maximum alert and vigilance while they are in public places, especially in areas
affected by the riots."

According to a World Bank estimate, there are some 70,000 Malaysians living
in the United Kingdom, forming the largest Malaysian diaspora in Europe.

Besides the physical assault on a young Malaysian by a group of thugs who
later had his belongings stolen in broad daylight, there have been no other
attacks reported on Malaysians so far.

"We would like to help any Malaysian national in distress," Zakaria said,
adding that the mission was closely monitoring the situation in the UK.

However, as is the case with other Asians living in the UK, Malaysians have
been shaken by this wave of violence.



Fear is particularly deep-seated among many Malaysian students, including
those who travel to Malaysia Hall in London to offer prayers.

The Malaysian community has also been shaken by widespread rioting
accompanied by looting incidents.

Indeed, the display windows of some of the shops in the direct proximity of
Malaysia Hall had been smashed, with the contents of the shops having been
emptied by rioters in a wave of frenzied violence.

Even though the police arrived in time to control the situation near
Malaysia Hall, the sight of the looters descending on the shops sent shivers
down the spines of many Asians, including Malaysians.

Meanwhile, an uneasy calm has returned to most parts of London but rioting
continues in a number of other cities such as Birmingham, Bristol and Liverpool.

The next few days will be very crucial for the law and order situation,
according to British security experts.