Four young Israeli nationals were reportedly detained at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) on Wednesday (25 March) while attempting to transit and catch a connecting flight to the Philippines.
According to the Israeli portal Ynet Global, those detained included two women who believed it was safe for Israelis to transit through Kuala Lumpur after consulting an online chatbot.
For illustration purposes
Four Israelis detained by Malaysian authorities while attempting to transit at KLIA
The report added that the two women, who did not speak English, flew from Thailand to Malaysia and were detained while on a connecting flight to the Philippines. They ultimately chose to return to Thailand.
The other two Israelis detained at KLIA were men travelling from Cambodia to the Philippines via Kuala Lumpur. Both were held for two days before Malaysian authorities deported them back to Cambodia.
For illustration purposes
Furthermore, the report claimed that at least eight Israelis have been detained at KLIA in recent months, some holding dual nationalities and others carrying only Israeli passports.
For context, Malaysia does not recognise Israel as a state and has no formal diplomatic relations with the entity.
Israeli Ambassador warns against travelling to Malaysia
Following these cases, Israeli Ambassador to Singapore Eliyahu Vered Hazan warned Israelis not to travel to Malaysia, whether for a visit or for transit.
He stated:
“I want to emphasise the National Security Council’s travel warning regarding Malaysia. The recommendation is clear, and I join it. Avoid travelling to Malaysia and do not transit there…
“My request is simple: If you encounter travellers or anyone planning a trip to the East, stress to them not to enter Malaysia, not for a visit and not for a layover.“
Eliyahu vered hazan
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