PUTRAJAYA (Bernama): Foreign Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah (pic) advised Malaysians residing or currently travelling in the Middle East and Gulf region to be more vigilant and take necessary precaution to ensure their security and safety.

He also urged those who had yet to register themselves with the Malaysia diplomatic missions to do so with the nearest embassy or consulate general of Malaysia without delay.

"Registration can be done through e-mail," he told reporters after youth task force on foreign affairs and diplomacy meeting at Wisma Putra here on Tuesday (Jan 7).

Due to the temporary inactiveness of Malaysia diplomatic missions in Iraq, Syria and Yemen, Saifuddin said Malaysians staying, working or travelling around the region were required to register with the following embassies:

– Malaysians in Iraq to register with the Malaysia Embassy in Amman, Jordan;

– Malaysians in Syria to register with Malaysia Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon;

– Malaysians in Yemen to register with Malaysia Embassy in Muscat, Oman.

Saifuddin also advised Malaysians to defer non-essential travel to the region. – Bernama