by FAYYADH JAAFAR / Pic by AFP

MALAYSIANS in Russia are safe despite the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, says the Foreign Affairs Ministry (Wisma Putra). 

The ministry said the Malaysian embassy has been in touch with the students and their universities, providing them with consular assistance if needed. 

There are currently 861 Malaysians in the Russian Federation, comprising 784 students and 33 expatriates. The embassy itself has 44 home-based staff, comprising diplomatic and technical staff and their dependents. 

Wisma Putra said in regards to a viral video clip that has been circulated online, it does not belong to a group of Malaysian students as claimed. 

“The ministry further wishes to refer to a 45-second video clip that has been circulating, allegedly posted by a group of Malaysian students still trapped in one locality in Ukraine. 

“Based on inquiries and verification efforts undertaken thus far, the said video does not belong to a group of Malaysian students as alleged,” Wisma Putra said in a statement yesterday.

In view of the reported difficulties over banking and financial transactions, the embassy on March 6 issued an advisory concerning the disruption of electronic funds transfer (EFT) services from Malaysia to students’ bank accounts with certain banks in Russia. 

Malaysians who are facing difficulties with their EFT services should contact the embassy through [email protected] or hotlines +79067461333, +79651222746, +79035666101 and +79035048666. 

“The ministry also wishes to advise all Malaysians in the Russian Federation who have yet to register with the embassy to do so at the earliest opportunity,” it said in the statement. 

As the situation in Russia and Ukraine remains tense, Wisma Putra urged all Malaysians residing in Russia to remain vigilant and take the necessary precautions and to reach out to the nearest embassy office for any assistance they may require. 

The ongoing crisis in eastern Ukraine has resulted in severe disruptions of banking and financial systems within the country. 

As a result, some banks in Russia are unable to process fund remittances originating from outside of the country due to international sanctions on Russia for its aggression against Ukraine.