Malaysia Prepares Evacuation Plans for Citizens Amid Houthi Attacks

Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry is preparing evacuation plans for citizens amid Houthi attacks, according to The Vibes. The report did not specify which countries the plans cover, how many Malaysians could be affected or whether any evacuation has been ordered.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia condemned attacks by the Houthi movement on civilians and civilian infrastructure, including airports and energy facilities in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states, Bernama reported on October 21. Anwar referred to an attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh that he said had killed civilians, including pilgrims. Bernama reported that he had been in contact with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Qatar’s prime minister, Sheikh Mohammed Abdulrahman Al Thani, about the regional crisis.

The risks extend to maritime routes used by international trade. In July, Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry warned that Houthi threats to restrict passage through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait could affect supply chains and energy security, according to The Edge Malaysia. The strait connects the Red Sea to shipping routes between Asia and Europe. At the time, the ministry advised Malaysian-registered vessels and shipping operators to follow maritime security advisories. Anwar said in October that Malaysia would support diplomatic efforts to ease the crisis and protect freedom of navigation, Bernama reported.