KUALA LUMPUR: Embassy of Nepal in Malaysia said that most of the Nepalis nationals in Malaysia are abiding by the Movement Control Order (MCO) and other related measures put in place by the Malaysian government to contain the outbreak of COVID-19.
The embassy stated, “Our people are heeding the advice and measures put in place by the Malaysian government throughout the country. Excluding few exceptions, there are not many reports of them breaching MCO or other related measures,”
The embassy said there are some 300,000 legal Nepali workers in Malaysia right now – mainly in the manufacturing and the security services sector.
“We are constantly in touch with our nationals through various forms of communication, especially social media like Facebook; and from time to time we are monitoring them and advising them to stay home and follow the rules,” it said.
The embassy said they have been conducting the live Facebook program with their nationals every Friday from 5-5.30pm for the past four years.
“Now, due to COVID-19, our staff members also advise them…these are the rules…what they should do and so on,” the embassy said, adding that there are 150,000 visitors per Facebook session.
Meanwhile, the embassy also hopes that employers of Nepali workers in the country will assist their workers in need, such as supplying them with food.
“Most companies are kind enough…but we also received complaints of workers facing difficulties getting enough food supply,” the embassy said.
On another matter, the embassy said that some 800 Nepali nationals are stranded in Malaysia due to travel restrictions imposed on both sides to contain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The embassy said that about 95 percent of them are workers who are supposed to return after their visa and work permits expired, as well as some students, tourists, and businessmen.
Nepal airports are closed for international flights till April 30.
The embassy said that they are constantly in touch with them to facilitate arrangements in every possible way to send them home when the situation permits.
“We have their details and (are) assisting them within our capacity,” the embassy further said.
The Embassy also said that since the MCO has been extended to April 28, they expect the number of stranded Nepalis to increase.
(with inputs from Bernama)
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