Saturday, December 8, 2018
The Lion City issued a rare travel advisory – warning its citizens to avoid Kuala Lumpur over security concerns.
Singapore is embroiled in disputes with Malaysia over air and sea boundaries.
The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam), citing advice from the police, said it would move an event planned for Saturday to Sunday, to avoid a clash with a rally organised by the opposition coalition linked to the deposed former prime minister Najib Razak.
Singapore’s foreign ministry cited security concerns over the two rallies, which were to be held just 10km apart.
The Suhakam event, commemorates human rights that Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad was slated to attend. It’s a family-friendly event and about 3,000 people were expected to attend it.
The opposition event celebrates the government’s climbdown on ratifying an international convention on eliminating racial discrimination. The two rallies had caused temperatures to soar.
Singapore has advised its citizens to defer non-essential travel to Kuala Lumpur because of the rallies.
The country’s foreign ministry noted that the two events which were originally scheduled for Saturday would attract large crowds, and increased possibility of skirmishes.
The statement also warned Singaporeans living in Kuala Lumpur to remain vigilant and avoid any large gatherings.
Tags: kuala lumpur, Singapore, Travel advisory
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
