Only Essential Travel To Myanmar's Mandalay, Bago Divisions - Malaysian Embassy

KUALA LUMPUR, April 2 (Bernama) -- In the wake of communal violence, the Malaysian Embassy in Yangon has advised Malaysians against all but essential travel to several locations in Myanmar.

The mission posted the advisory on its Facebook account recently.

The areas are the township of Meiktila, Mahlaing, Tharzi and Wundwin in the Mandalay region and Gyobingauk, Okpho, Min Hla, Nattalin and Zegone in Bago region where the Myanmar Government has declared a state of emergency and imposed curfew from 6pm to 6am in the areas," said the advisory.

It also reminded Malaysian nationals in other areas of Myanmar to be vigilant, exercise caution and monitor local media reports for the latest development.

"Avoid all demonstrations and large gathering spots. In the case of any sign of unrest, Malaysian nationals are advised to return to their accommodation immediately and remain there until the situation stabilises," it said.

Yesterday, the foreign ministry in its statement said the Malaysian Embassy in Yangon was monitoring closely the highly volatile situation in certain areas in Myanmar as Malaysia was concerned with incidents of violence against the country's Muslim population in the country's Mandalay and Bago divisions.

The ministry added, while Malaysia remained steadfast to its principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other sovereign countries, it called on all parties involved in the recent incidents to refrain from taking any action which would aggravate the situation.

-- BERNAMA