KUALA LUMPUR: The Foreign Ministry has issued an advisory urging Malaysians to defer any non-essential travel to Bangladesh.
"The ministry is aware that there are Malaysian citizens who intend to return to Bangladesh. Given the unpredictable nature of the situation on the ground, Malaysian citizens are encouraged to defer any non-essential travel to Dhaka for the time being", Wisma Putra said in a statement.
The ministry said it was important for travelling Malaysians to register with the High Commission upon arrival, including students returning to continue their studies.
Those already in Bangladesh were advised to avoid large gatherings and conflict areas and to follow local authorities' instructions.
The ministry gave its assurance that it remained committed to the welfare and safety of Malaysians in Bangladesh and reminded those needing consular assistance to reach out.
On Monday, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir said students will have the option to continue their studies in Malaysia or return to Bangladesh when the situation improves.
On July 23, Malaysians in Bangladesh began evacuating the country.
Unrest in Bangladesh began after a crackdown of student-led protests against quotas in government positions, leading to one of the deadliest outbreaks of violence in recent years.