Malaysians in Peru safe, as anti-Boluarte protests intensify
BERNAMA01 Feb 2023 03:37pm
This photo released by the Peruvian Ministry of Defense shows people aplauding the arrival of Army soldiers to assist directing traffic in order to unblock the Pan-American road in conjunction with police forces in Ica, Peru, as roadblocks are causing shortages of basic goods and fuel in several provinces on Jan 30. The Peruvian Congress began a new session this Monday to define whether to approve an advance of the elections, in the midst of protests and blockades that do not stop demanding the resignation of President Dina Boluarte. The Malaysian Embassy in Lima today released a statement notifying that all Malaysians in Peru were safe. - AFP
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The embassy said it had contingency plans in place in view of the current situation and was monitoring from all perspectives.
"To date, all Malaysians in Peru are safe and the Embassy of Malaysia has been in touch with them from time to time. Malaysians in Peru are advised to be vigilant, avoid areas affected by demonstrations and protests and follow the advice of the local authorities as well as monitor local media for updates," said the embassy in a statement.
Protests against Peru’s President Dina Boluarte gripped the South American nation since leftist former President Pedro Castillo was removed from office in December and detained after he tried to illegally dissolve Congress.
Castillo was replaced as president by Boluarte, who was vice president. Peru's police said on Tuesday it had dispersed protesters who were approaching Jorge Chavez International Airport near the capital city of Lima, as protests in the capital sparked fear of new flight suspensions.
Elsewhere, the Peruvian army had been deployed to assist directing traffic in order to unblock the Pan-American in Ica, as roadblocks were causing shortages of basic goods and fuel in several provinces. The Peruvian Congress began a new session yesterday to define whether to advance elections in the midst of protests and blockades demanding the resignation of Boluarte.
Commenting further, the embassy said at press time, protests were still continuing in certain parts of Lima, especially in downtown, and other cities in Peru.
It added there were currently 30 Malaysians registered with the Embassy of Malaysia in Peru, comprising various professionals including Home-Based officials of the Embassy, doctors and businessmen.
In case of emergency, Malaysians in Peru are advised to contact the Embassy at (511) 422 0297, (511) 441 1939 and (511) 441 0795 (during office hours), and (+51) 9898 627 35 (after office hours) or email:[email protected]. - BERNAMA
