MOS: 18 Malaysian Seafarers Still Operating In West Asia Conflict Zones

By Norsyafawati Ab Wahab

KUALA LUMPUR, March 13 (Bernama) -- A total of 18 Malaysian offshore seafarers, who are also members of the Malaysian Offshore Seafarers Association (MOS), are currently reported to be on duty in several operational areas in West Asia that have now been categorised as conflict zones.

MOS president Capt. Tunku Ismail Tunku Yahaya said the information was obtained through the association’s network of members who are currently serving on oil and gas industry support vessels in the region.

He said that so far, most of them are continuing their operations as usual, with strict safety monitoring by shipping companies and vessel management.

“The offshore industry has specific safety procedures for operations in high-risk areas, and these are always monitored by operators and shipping companies,” he told Bernama.

According to him, MOS, which has more than 1,200 members, has also been informed that the seafarers are stationed at several operational locations, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates sector covering Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

However, he said the safety and welfare of Malaysian seafarers must always remain a priority, especially for those working in high-risk areas.

“MOS hopes that shipping companies and operators will ensure that seafarers stationed in high-risk areas are provided with appropriate protection, including in terms of safety, insurance coverage and compensation related to operations in conflict zones,” he said.

Meanwhile, he said the association will continue to monitor the evolving situation and maintain communication with its members in the operational areas to ensure their safety.

A total of 18 members are currently deployed in areas categorised as conflict zones in West Asia, comprising the following:

Saudi Arabia (nine):

Haizir Abu Hasan

Mohd Subky Mohd Isa

Capt. Suryaintheran Selvaraja

Mohd Hasmurieman Hashim

Azzahraul Nazrin Zainal Azri

Muhammad Qutaibah Mustaffa Kamal

Mohd Khairul Nizam Abd Razak

Mohd Firdaus Mohd Ali

Mohd Fahmi A Rahman

Qatar (four):

Mohamad Hafizzudin Mohamad Suraji

Lau Han Seong

Mohamad Sudaimi Abd Ghani

Mohd Amirulhafiz Mohd Johar

United Arab Emirates – Dubai/Abu Dhabi sector (five):

Mu’ammar Asyraf Buzali

Ahmad Sayuti Husin

Nik Mohamad Shafik Nik Zulkifli

Lokmanulhakim Badizoman

Mohd Nazri Sharif

Tensions in West Asia have continued to escalate since Feb 28, when Israel and the United States (US) launched attacks on Iran, triggering retaliatory strikes by Tehran against US interests in Gulf countries.

-- BERNAMA