Old school SMS becomes lifeline as Iran blocks roaming, WhatsApp amid escalating tensions, says Malaysia's ambassador
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
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Borneo Post
36 minutes ago
- Borneo Post
PVATM urges public holiday on July 31 to honour Malaysia's military heroes
Jimbau (fifth left) and others paying their respects at Corporal Paul's grave in Bau. SIBU (Aug 2): The Sarawak Malaysian Armed Forces Veterans Association (PVATM) has called on the federal government to declare July 31 a national public holiday in conjunction with Warriors' Day, in honour of the sacrifices made by Malaysia's military heroes. PVATM president Jimbau Galau said such recognition would not only pay tribute to the contributions of former soldiers but also foster a deeper sense of patriotism among Malaysians, especially the younger generation. 'Turning July 31 into a public holiday allows the nation to collectively reflect on the sacrifices of our warriors, whose sweat and blood safeguarded the peace we enjoy today,' he said. He was speaking after leading a gravesite visit to the late Corporal Paul Nyopis Noyeab, a recipient of the Pingat Gagah Berani (P.G.B.) at Kampung Rumih, Bau, on July 31. The visit, organised by PVATM Bau Branch, was attended by over 100 members from across the state, as well as villagers from the area. Jimbau added that having a public holiday would provide opportunities for schools, organisations, and communities to host activities such as memorial visits, seminars, and parades, reinforcing historical awareness and the value of national unity. 'We want Warriors' Day to be more than just a symbolic occasion. It should be a day that truly resonates with the people,' he said, expressing hope that the proposal would be considered by the federal government as a meaningful gesture to strengthen national identity. The gravesite visit was part of PVATM's initiative to honour Sarawakian veterans who served valiantly during the Malayan Emergency and other conflicts. The late Corporal Paul remains a source of pride for the state, with his courage and service continuing to inspire current and future generations through commemorative programmes like this.
Borneo Post
36 minutes ago
- Borneo Post
A defining week for Anwar Ibrahim's leadership
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (centre) with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet (left) and Thailand's Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai (right) during a press conference at the Special Joint Meeting held at the Seri Perdana Complex on July 28. – Bernama photo KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 2): It has certainly been a defining week for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as he notched double wins at the diplomatic and economic fronts, which even his opponents would find difficult to fault. He has certainly been in top form as he brokered a ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia, orchestrating a diplomatic breakthrough, and then went on to make a call to United States President Donald Trump at 6.50 am. Anwar received plenty of messages from world leaders congratulating him on the handling of the potentially dangerous conflict between two neighbouring countries. It was a huge test for him as the Chair of ASEAN, but he pulled off magnificently as he brought the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia to Kuala Lumpur for a dialogue. He also made sure that officials from the US and China, the two important players in the region, were present to observe the talks. It is also evident that Malaysia's neutral posture of not taking sides has shown positive results, as that brought the two countries, locked in conflict, to the negotiating table. Trump himself reportedly intervened in the ceasefire negotiations by threatening both parties with heavy tariffs, but Malaysia's central role in mediating the agreement gave it diplomatic capital. At the same time, Malaysia scored a much-needed economic reprieve after the US agreed to scale back steep tariffs that had been threatening Malaysia's export-driven economy. At one point, Washington had threatened Malaysia with reciprocal tariffs of up to 25 per cent in retaliation for what it claimed were unfair trade practices and currency. This week, the White House agreed to lower the rate to 19 per cent, offering breathing room to Malaysia's key sectors, especially electronics and palm oil. The sound of relief could be heard across the nation. Without doubt, Anwar was properly prepared by officials for his telephone conversation with Trump. But as many world leaders would know, an element of uncertainty can also be expected when dealing with Trump, as some US allies have ended up with high tariffs. Both cases, which Anwar handled well, demonstrated strategic diplomacy which was carried out with precision and the personal charm offensive, which Anwar is good at. By now, world leaders would have watched how Anwar has the ability to lift up the phone to call his counterparts. The world will certainly now see that there is value in Malaysia as a stabilising force and an economic partner. The week has not just been a personal success for Anwar and his government, but as one analyst put it, they are a reminder that middle powers like Malaysia can shape outcomes when they choose engagement over posturing. Thai veteran journalist Kavi Chongkittavorn wrote that Anwar has now positioned himself as a peacemaker. 'ASEAN is doing a somersault. It just needs decisive leadership,' he said, pointing out that Anwar got the US and China to be present, which was another coup, as 'both superpowers rarely collaborate on anything these days. Yet both sent envoys to support the ASEAN Chair's initiative.' These successes are not just wins for Anwar's government; they are reminders that middle powers like Malaysia can shape outcomes when they choose engagement over posturing. Writing in the Thai PBS World, he described that on the regional stage, 'PMX just had his finest hours.'' On the economic front, Malaysia has ended up having the same 19 per cent tariff as Indonesia and the Philippines. However, in Jakarta and Manila, there has been reported unhappiness that they have given in too much to Trump. Malaysia stood its ground that it would not allow the red lines to be crossed, particularly on its Bumiputera policy during negotiations. To the protestors who turned up by the thousands calling on Anwar to step down, they may not understand headlines like tariffs or ceasefires, but this week's developments demonstrated the importance of leadership. – Bernama * Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai is a National Journalism Laureate and chairman of the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama). Anwar Ibrahim diplomatic economy wong chun wai
New Straits Times
an hour ago
- New Straits Times
Southern Thais laud Anwar's role in regional peace efforts
KOTA BARU: The people of southern Thailand have expressed strong support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's role in promoting peace and stability in the region. Five Southern Provinces of Thailand Administrative Board deputy chairman, Abdul Aziz Che Mamat, said Anwar's success in representing Malaysia as Asean chair and brokering peace between Thailand and Cambodia was warmly welcomed by the Thai people. He said Anwar's leadership in mediating tensions, which led to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire between the two countries, was an exemplary effort. "The people of Thailand, especially the Muslims in the southern provinces, greatly welcome this peace initiative by the Malaysian Prime Minister. We pray that Allah rewards Prime Minister Anwar for his noble efforts. We also hope that Malaysia, under his leadership, will continue playing the role of facilitator in the southern Thailand peace process, so that it too can yield positive outcomes," said Abdul Aziz, who is also the deputy president of the Narathiwat Religious Council. He said the Muslim population in southern Thailand felt fortunate to have a neighbouring country like Malaysia that shares religious and cultural ties with them. On July 28, Malaysia, as the Asean chair, hosted a special meeting involving Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayacha in Kuala Lumpur. After the meeting, Anwar announced that both countries had agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. Hun said the immediate and unconditional ceasefire agreement between Cambodia and Thailand marked the beginning of efforts to rebuild trust, confidence, and cooperation between the two countries. Phumtham said the outcome reflected Thailand's commitment to a ceasefire and a peaceful resolution, while continuing to protect its sovereignty and the lives of its people.
