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Daily Express
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
Old school SMS becomes lifeline as Iran blocks roaming, WhatsApp amid escalating tensions, says Malaysia's ambassador
Published on: Monday, June 23, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jun 23, 2025 By: Bernama Text Size: A total of 24 individuals, including 17 Malaysians, who were evacuated from Iran following escalating conflict in the country, have safely returned home. — Bernama pic SEPANG: As tensions in Iran escalated following Israel's retaliatory strikes, residents in the country were forced to rely on the old-school Short Message Service (SMS) to stay in touch with family members and relevant parties. Malaysia's Ambassador to Iran, Khairi Omar, said roaming services in the country, including WhatsApp, are currently blocked. 'In Iran, SMS communication is still open between local Iranian numbers. Domestically, people can still stay in touch. However, if we try to call an Iranian number from here, it won't go through, as roaming services have been shut down. But calls from Iran to outside the country are still possible. So, we've resorted to the old-fashioned way, text messages, which not many people use anymore. 'WhatsApp messages and similar platforms were completely inaccessible, though I believe some access is gradually returning, but still tightly controlled to ensure that sensitive information related to security issues isn't leaked,' he spoke to reporters last night. He arrived from Iran with a group of 24 individuals, comprising 17 Malaysians, six Iranian dependents of Malaysian citizens, and one Singaporean. Khairi said the situation in Iran was volatile, with both foreign nationals and locals equally shocked by the severity of the attack, which he described as drastic. Advertisement 'After a day or two, we began to observe a pattern in the attacks. They were more intense at night, while during the day, it seemed as though both sides had come to a mutual understanding to scale back the assaults. 'As we all know, they already identified the targets, and if one side launched a strike on certain facilities, the other side would respond. But we were always on high alert because if you're in the wrong place at the wrong time, you could easily find yourself in a situation you definitely wouldn't want to be in,' he said. The government ordered the temporary closure of the Malaysian Embassy in Iran, instructing all embassy personnel in the country to return home immediately. Meanwhile, a trader, Fadhil Yusni, 33, expressed his gratitude at being reunited with his wife, Zainab Ganood, an Iranian national who was visiting her parents. 'I panicked because I couldn't reach my wife. Alhamdulillah, tonight I feel grateful. Thank you to the government and the Foreign Ministry for evacuating my wife out of Iran,' he said, adding that he is now finding the best way to help his wife's family leave the conflict-stricken country safely. Tensions erupted on June 13 when Israel launched airstrikes on several locations across Iran, including military and nuclear facilities, prompting Tehran to retaliate. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Sinar Daily
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Sinar Daily
Malaysians in Iran rely on SMS amid roaming shutdown
Malaysia's Ambassador to Iran, Khairi Omar, who led the group, told the media they had to travel by land for about 1,000 kilometres to exit Tehran. 23 Jun 2025 11:04am Malaysia's Ambassador to Iran, Khairi Omar (second, left) said roaming services in the country, including WhatsApp, are currently blocked. - Bernama photo SEPANG - As tensions in Iran escalated following Israel's retaliatory strikes, residents in the country were forced to rely on the old-school Short Message Service (SMS) to stay in touch with family members and relevant parties. Malaysia's Ambassador to Iran, Khairi Omar, said roaming services in the country, including WhatsApp, are currently blocked. A group of 24 individuals, including 17 Malaysians, safely touched down at KLIA Terminal 1 after being evacuated from Iran amidst escalating conflict. - Bernama photo "In Iran, SMS communication is still open between local Iranian numbers. Domestically, people can still stay in touch. However, if we try to call an Iranian number from here, it won't go through, as roaming services have been shut down. But calls from Iran to outside the country are still possible. So, we've resorted to the old-fashioned way, text messages, which not many people use anymore. "WhatsApp messages and similar platforms were completely inaccessible, though I believe some access is gradually returning, but still tightly controlled to ensure that sensitive information related to security issues isn't leaked,' he spoke to reporters last night. He arrived from Iran with a group of 24 individuals, comprising 17 Malaysians, six Iranian dependents of Malaysian citizens, and one Singaporean. Khairi said the situation in Iran was volatile, with both foreign nationals and locals equally shocked by the severity of the attack, which he described as drastic. "After a day or two, we began to observe a pattern in the attacks. They were more intense at night, while during the day, it seemed as though both sides had come to a mutual understanding to scale back the assaults. "As we all know, they already identified the targets, and if one side launched a strike on certain facilities, the other side would respond. But we were always on high alert because if you're in the wrong place at the wrong time, you could easily find yourself in a situation you definitely wouldn't want to be in,' he said. The government ordered the temporary closure of the Malaysian Embassy in Iran, instructing all embassy personnel in the country to return home immediately. Meanwhile, a trader, Fadhil Yusni, 33, expressed his gratitude at being reunited with his wife, Zainab Ganood, an Iranian national who was visiting her parents. "I panicked because I couldn't reach my wife. Alhamdulillah, tonight I feel grateful. Thank you to the government and the Foreign Ministry for evacuating my wife out of Iran,' he said, adding that he is now finding the best way to help his wife's family leave the conflict-stricken country safely. Tensions erupted on June 13 when Israel launched airstrikes on several locations across Iran, including military and nuclear facilities, prompting Tehran to retaliate. - BERNAMA
Maroc
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Maroc
Congolese Minister Applauds Morocco's Role Under HM the King's Leadership for United Africa on Ocean Issues
The Congolese Minister of Environment, Sustainable Development and the Congo Basin, Arlette Soudan-Nonault, on Monday in Nice, praised Morocco's "unifying role," under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, in rallying African countries around a common vision for ocean preservation and governance. "The Royal Message reminded us of the urgency to act collectively and speak with one voice," the minister told MAP on the sidelines of the 'Africa for the Ocean' summit, co-chaired by Morocco and France. Soudan-Nonault also commended "Morocco's pioneering role, which, after championing terrestrial ecosystems and the green economy, is now guiding us toward the challenges of the blue economy and the preservation of marine ecosystems." The minister also highlighted her country's efforts in this respect, noting that the President of the Republic of Congo chairs the Congo Basin Climate Commission, "which was established in Marrakech in 2022 during the Africa Action and Convergence Summit, at the initiative of His Majesty the King." The 'Africa for the Ocean' summit, co-chaired by HRH Princess Lalla Hasnaa, Representative of His Majesty the King, and French President Emmanuel Macron, was attended by several African Heads of State and Government, UN Secretary-General António Guterres, and representatives of international organizations and multilateral development banks. MAP: 09 June 2025
Sharjah 24
19-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Sharjah 24
SBA's Quran Radio and TV take part in AQU's exhibition
Engaging experiences for visitors Quran Radio and TV have established a dedicated booth that includes a studio for students to record their Quranic recitations in a professional environment. The booth features the "Allah's Message to You" initiative, where visitors can select a random Quranic card, contemplate the verse, and enjoy its recitation in the studio. Highlighting the evolution of radio The booth also features an exhibition of vintage radio equipment, providing visitors with insights into the evolution of broadcasting devices over the decades and their adaptation to technological advancements in radio transmission. This display showcases the advancements made in broadcasting religious content through the airwaves. Enhancing cooperation and media involvement Khalifa Hassan Khalaf, Director of Quran Radio and TV, expressed that involvement in the exhibition demonstrates a dedication to productive cooperation with diverse government bodies, universities, and academic institutions in Sharjah. He highlighted that the participation highlights the strong relationship between the station and Al Qasimia University. He stated, "We are consistently eager to participate in scientific and cultural events that emphasise the significance of Quranic radio and television in advancing religious media." This involvement highlights the endeavours of the Sharjah Radio and Television Authority to promote initiatives focused on the Quran and its sciences, further solidifying Sharjah's position as a prominent centre for Islamic culture and religious media.
