Malaysia has advised its citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Iran, Iraq, and Jordan due to growing tensions between Iran and Israel and rising security concerns in the region. The Foreign Ministry (Wisma Putra) issued the warning on June 14, citing disrupted airspace and safety risks.
The advisory comes amid escalating conflict in the Middle East, with several countries, including Iran, closing their airspace. This move is expected to impact flight schedules and increase the risks for travelers. Malaysian embassies in Tehran, Baghdad, and Amman are closely monitoring the situation and are on standby to assist citizens in those countries.
“Given the unpredictable nature of the conflict, non-essential travel to these areas should be deferred,” said the ministry. Malaysians already in the region have been urged to follow local guidance and register their contact details with the Malaysian Embassy in Tehran to receive timely updates and assistance if needed.
In a notable diplomatic move, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim publicly declared support for Iran’s right to retaliate against Israel. Speaking at an event in Lumut, Anwar stated that Malaysia, as a sovereign nation, must defend the dignity of its allies. “We must stand up for the rights of our friends, including Iran,” he said.
Anwar’s comments followed Israeli airstrikes on Iran that reportedly targeted nuclear and military sites, killing senior Iranian officials. Iran responded with missile attacks on Israeli-occupied territories. Another reported Israeli strike on Iran’s Defence Ministry on June 15 further escalated tensions.
The Prime Minister also praised Iran’s scientific resilience despite sanctions, highlighting its advancements in AI and missile systems. He criticized Western nations, particularly the EU, for what he described as double standards—condemning Iran’s retaliation but remaining silent on Israel’s earlier strikes.
The conflict has had immediate economic effects across Asia. As reported by Zawya, oil prices surged over 9%, while regional currencies and stock markets dipped. Investors rushed to safer assets like gold and the US dollar. Currencies in South Korea, the Philippines, India, and Malaysia all declined, reflecting market jitters.
Despite benefiting from higher oil prices, Malaysia’s ringgit still dropped 0.7% due to broader global pressures. Equity markets in Malaysia, Taiwan, and Singapore also saw notable declines. Analysts suggest that while oil-exporting nations may see gains, the overall uncertainty is driving caution.
The situation highlights how regional conflict can quickly affect global diplomacy and financial stability, with Malaysia balancing support for allies and protection of its economic and security interests.
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