The Malaysian embassy in Doha lauded the efforts of the Qatar government in combating the novel coronavirus disease (Covid-19) and contributing to humanitarian and medical aids globally.
In a press statement, charge d’affaires Mohamed Shahir Sabarudin said Qatar implemented physical distancing measures aimed at interrupting transmission, closed non-essential businesses, reduced the number of employees at the government institutions and permitted only Qatari citizens to enter the country to mitigate the spread of Covid-19.
“Qatar has facilities and medical capabilities to control and combat the Covid-19 pandemic. The proactive approach by the Qatar government to convert Hazm Mebarek General Hospital into a Covid-19 facility and the opening of new field hospitals should be praised,” he said.
The envoy also congratulated Qatar Airways for continuing to fly travellers to their destinations amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
He said the connection between Hamad International Airport and Kuala Lumpur International Airport provided by the award-winning airline played a key role to help many Malaysian nationals who were stranded in various countries in Central Asia, Europe, West Asia and Africa to reach their homes since March 2020.
“At this time, Malaysians may still depart and transit in Qatar. However, they should be prepared for travel restrictions to be put into effect with little or no notice,” Sabarudin said.
“Passengers are advised to check our real-time flight status page for the latest information. Malaysians in Qatar are advised to stay put. However, for those who are returning to Malaysia, they are encouraged to make travel arrangements while Qatar Airways is still available,” he noted.
The envoy urged all Malaysians in Qatar to adhere to the rules set by the Qatar government and to follow the embassy’s social media (Facebook and Twitter) for latest updates on the current situation.
According to Sabarudin, Malaysian Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin had a phone conversation early this month with His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, where both leaders shared information on Covid-19.
The Malaysian prime minister expressed his appreciation to Qatar for the medical treatment and assistance it provided to help Malaysians affected by Covid-19 in the country.
The envoy also thanked the Qatar government for helping the needy and underprivileged children in different countries around the world affected by Covid-19.
“Muslims in Qatar and around the world are expected to observe Eid al-Fitr in few more days, marking the end of Ramadan. This year, Eid Mubarak feels different. In the past, Eid Mubarak celebration is marked by social and religious gatherings where Muslim families and friends unite together,” Sabarudin said.
“We will now need to prepare celebrating Eid largely at home with limited outdoor interaction. This year in view of the Covid-19 pandemic, Muslims will have to be doing their part to stop the spread of Covid-19,” he said.
The envoy said the embassy also expresses its appreciation to all the front liners in Qatar and all over the world for the dedication and tireless efforts in handling the Covid-19 pandemic.
Related Story