Foreign Ministry Closely Monitoring European Protests, Advises Malaysians To Postpone Non-Essential Travel

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 21 – Malaysia is closely monitoring ongoing civil unrest and public demonstrations across several European nations, particularly in Paris, France, Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni confirmed on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.

Speaking to reporters after delivering his keynote address at the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) Symposium in Kuala Lumpur, Lukanisman stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is actively receiving real-time situation reports through Malaysian diplomatic missions abroad.

The protests in Paris, initially sparked by government budget cuts to the public education sector, have coincided with broader economic demonstrations and cost-of-living strikes across western and southern Europe.

“At the embassy level, we are reviewing all reports. We are also advising Malaysians in Paris, including those currently on holiday or visiting the city, to inform the Malaysian Embassy in Paris of their whereabouts,” Lukanisman stated.

Diplomatic Advisory and Regional Scope

Key travel guidelines and diplomatic measures issued by Wisma Putra include:

• Travel Advisory Issued: Wisma Putra strongly advises Malaysian citizens to consider postponing all non-essential travel to France until public order stabilizes across major cities.
• Citizen Registration: Malaysians currently residing in, working in, or visiting affected European cities are urged to register their presence with local Malaysian embassies immediately to facilitate emergency support.
• Consular Inquiries: The Malaysian Embassy in Paris has begun receiving urgent inquiries from families and employers in Malaysia seeking verification on the safety and location of relatives and workers.
• Spreading European Unrest: Cost-of-living and austerity protests have reportedly expanded beyond France to major urban centers across Belgium, Portugal, Italy, and Albania.

Wisma Putra and Malaysian overseas embassies will maintain 24-hour consular helplines to assist affected citizens.

–NMT