SEPANG: A total of 123 Malaysians evacuated from Bangladesh following civil unrest this morning have safely arrived at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
The special AirAsia flight AK76 arrived at KLIA Terminal 2 at 5.10pm after departing from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Dhaka.
Tears of joy and sighs of relief from the awaiting family members greeted the evacuated Malaysians at the arrival hall.
Also present to receive the evacuees were Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail along with Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Mohamad Alamin and Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Mustapha Sakmud.
Yesterday, the prime minister said that the government has decided to bring back all Malaysians in Bangladesh due to security concerns following escalating tensions in that country.
Saifuddin in his press conference said out of the 123, 80 were students and 43 were non-students adding that there are still Malaysians who have chosen to remain in Bangladesh to avoid disrupting their studies and those tied to employment contracts or living with family members.
"The Malaysian High Commission will continue to monitor their situation and maintain communication with them, ensuring their welfare and safety is paramount.
"And as such for those who remain, we advise them to keep in touch with the High Commission and stay vigilant.
"Additionally, the Malaysian High Commission had also assisted 19 students to return to Malaysia, ensuring their safety before this batch of 123 Malaysians," he said.
Saifuddin added that the Higher Education Ministry had sent psychological officers to assist in communicating with the families and students.
"I had a chance to speak with students from various states, and while they appeared visibly shocked, the role of psychological officers is crucial in managing their trauma."