KUALA LUMPUR: Anxiety, worry and fear. These are the feelings of Malaysians following a series of riots in various cities in the United Kingdom that targeted Muslims.
Dr Muneer Radzali, 32, said he is now more cautious, especially when traveling to his workplace at the Hull Royal Infirmary.
"Although riots have happened several times before, this time the sentiment is different. So, there is definitely fear. At the same time, we really need to be more careful especially if we want to go out walking in certain places.
"Now we also offer to accompany anyone if they want to go somewhere. If they don't drive, we can help. Especially if the journey is heading to a downtown area," he told Harian Metro yesterday.
He said when the riots occurred last Saturday, all buses and tram services were cancelled.
"When the chaos happened, most bus and tram services were cancelled. One night, we also couldn't go downtown, and most of my colleagues had to stay in the hospital for safety.
"Even friends who live in the riot areas had to stay at home. Everyone was anxious. They only saw smoke and heard sirens nonstop. Most shops were broken into and goods were taken.
"A female nurse where I work was harassed by rioters on her way to the hospital. Fortunately, nothing happened," he said.
Meanwhile, a Malaysian student at the University of Manchester, Khaliza Khalid, 35, said she could not take things for granted despite not living in an area away from the riots.
She needs to commute to the university every day.
"I found out about the riot while on my way to the university. At that time, the tram service was also stopped. So, many were stranded and decided to just go home.
"However, my daily routine must continue because I need to go to the university every day. It cannot be denied that there is fear and worry. The sentiment surrounding the riots this time is different.
"Thankfully, the Malaysian High Commission here always provides information to all students to avoid places with reported riots," she said.
Meanwhile, Farridah Ismail, 71, who lives in West London said the recent riots led to her fearing going to quiet areas alone.
She said Muslims and women wearing hijabs are not safe and they put themselves at risk when they are out.
Last Sunday, she faced an incident while cycling outside her residence.
"The only incident I faced was when a car driven by a white youth passed by me while shouting and cursing racist words.
"The incident occurred on a quiet road, which are no longer safe for me. Now I avoid quiet roads and lanes.
"Of course, I feel unsafe, (which is especially for) women who wear headscarves. Such incidents (riots) have never happened before," she said when contacted here.
Farridah, who has lived in the UK for nearly 40 years, said the Malaysian High Commission in London also informed her of the incident and asked Malaysians to avoid riot areas today.
"Life must go on. I still cycle to the store and other places. I cannot let these people 'win', but at the same time I have to be vigilant and careful.
"But generally, the English in my area are okay. I can integrate with them at work and in volunteer work. They respect our contributions and do not see it as a threat," she said.
Malaysians have been advised to avoid protest areas and register with the Malaysian High Commission in London for matters related to security.
This follows demonstrations that took place in several areas in the UK.
On Monday, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan advised Malaysians residing in or visiting the UK to avoid protest areas and to register with the Malaysian High Commission in London for better safety arrangements.
He had said that protests in several areas in the UK are becoming increasingly worrying and some have turned violent.
Malaysians who need consular assistance can contact the Malaysian High Commission in London at 45-46 Belgrave Square, London, UK or phone +44 20 3931 6196 or +44 20 7235 8033 or email at mwlondon@kln.gov.my.