Malaysia's Foreign Ministry has confirmed that all registered Malaysian nationals residing in or travelling through Venezuela remain safe and accounted for in the wake of two significant earthquakes that shook central Venezuela on Wednesday. The tremors, which registered 7.2 and 7.5 on the Richter scale, prompted immediate consular action from Wisma Putra to verify the status of citizens in the affected country.
The earthquakes struck approximately 21 kilometres from Moron and 168 kilometres west of Caracas, the Venezuelan capital, sending shockwaves across much of the country. The seismic activity was widely felt in Caracas itself, as well as throughout the states of Trujillo, Carabobo, Miranda, and La Guaira. Initial reports indicate that structural damage has occurred, with several buildings experiencing partial or complete collapse as a result of the ground movement.
Venezuelan authorities are currently in the critical assessment phase, working to ascertain the full scope of the disaster. At the time of Malaysia's Foreign Ministry statement released on Thursday, officials had not yet compiled comprehensive casualty figures or determined the complete extent of infrastructure damage. This initial uncertainty is typical in the immediate aftermath of major seismic events, particularly in regions where monitoring systems may be limited or where affected areas are difficult to access.
The Embassy of Malaysia in Caracas has maintained ongoing contact with Venezuelan government agencies and emergency services, positioning itself to respond swiftly to any developing needs among the Malaysian community. This proactive engagement reflects standard diplomatic protocol during natural disasters, ensuring that Malaysia remains informed of the situation as authorities on the ground gather more detailed information about the impact.
Malaysian citizens present in or visiting areas affected by the earthquakes have been instructed to maintain heightened vigilance and follow all safety instructions issued by local emergency services. The Foreign Ministry emphasised the importance of exercising caution, as aftershocks often accompany earthquakes of this magnitude and can pose additional risks to structures already weakened by the initial tremors. Residents and visitors are advised to remain alert to official warnings and to move away from damaged buildings.
Wisma Putra has launched an urgent appeal for any Malaysian nationals who have not yet registered their presence in Venezuela to do so immediately through the e-Konsular system at https://ekonsular.kln.gov.my. This registration process enables the government to maintain an accurate record of citizens abroad and is essential for crisis management during emergencies. The system allows Malaysian nationals to voluntarily inform their government of their location, which facilitates rapid contact and assistance delivery if needed.
For Malaysians seeking immediate help or those with information about fellow citizens potentially caught in affected areas, the Embassy of Malaysia in Caracas has provided direct contact channels. The embassy can be reached at telephone numbers (+58-212) 720 4257 or (+58-424) 222 1338, with email inquiries directed to [email protected]. These multiple contact options ensure that citizens can reach assistance through their preferred means, whether during regular business hours or in urgent after-hours situations.
The situation underscores the vulnerability of communities across Latin America to seismic activity, a region situated along major tectonic plate boundaries. Venezuela's location on the Caribbean and South American plate margins makes it susceptible to significant earthquakes. For Malaysian expatriates and tourists in the region—whether in Venezuela or elsewhere in South America—such natural disasters highlight the importance of maintaining registration with their home country's diplomatic mission.
The Foreign Ministry's response demonstrates Malaysia's commitment to protecting its citizens abroad, a principle that extends across all regions regardless of political or economic relationships. Even as Venezuela faces considerable economic and political challenges that have prompted some Malaysian departure in recent years, those remaining in the country continue to receive consular support and protection from the Malaysian government.
Looking ahead, Malaysia will continue monitoring the evolving situation in Venezuela and will issue updates as new information becomes available. The ministry's commitment to transparent communication with affected citizens and their families reflects standard practice during international crises. As Venezuelan authorities complete their damage assessments and casualty counts, the Malaysian government stands ready to provide additional support or facilitate repatriation if any registered nationals request it.
