KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Embassy in Lebanon has been instructed to be on alert and monitor the situation of Malaysians in the country following the ongoing Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
Wisma Putra in a statement said the government instructed the embassy based in Beirut to take precautionary measures since the area in South Lebanon has also been attacked by Israel.
It said that currently there are 12 Malaysians residing in Lebanon and the Malaysian Embassy is in close contact with them.
"The government also instructed the embassy to monitor the condition of the United Nations- Malaysian Armed Forces (UN-MAF) peacekeeping force, MALBATT, which serves under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
"Due to the current situation, Malaysians are advised to postpone non-essential travel to Lebanon.
Wisma Putra added that as a precautionary measure, the government has decided that the family members of the embassy staff should return to Malaysia until the security condition permits.
"This is a proactive measure by the government to ensure that the safety of all Malaysians becomes the country's priority."
It however, said that the Malaysian Embassy will continue to operate as usual.
"In the meantime, Malaysians who need any consular assistance or have inquiries can contact the Malaysian Embassy in Beirut.
The Embassy of Malaysia in Lebanon is located at Lot 170, Saad Zaghloul Street Downtown Beirut, Lebanon and can be contacted via +961 (1)1970207 (office) or +961-71380063 (mobile phone) or email at mwbeirut@kln.gov.my.