Malaysia's Foreign Ministry has confirmed that every registered Malaysian national in Venezuela is accounted for and safe following two devastating earthquakes that struck the South American nation on Wednesday. The tremors, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 on the Richter scale, rocked central Venezuela with considerable force, though preliminary assessments from local authorities indicate the full scope of casualties and structural damage is still being determined. Wisma Putra, as the ministry is formally known, issued a statement on Thursday providing reassurance to families and loved ones of Malaysians in the affected region.
The earthquakes occurred approximately 21 kilometres from the town of Moron and roughly 168 kilometres west of Caracas, Venezuela's capital. Despite the significant distance from the epicentre, the tremors were felt extensively across the nation, reverberating through Caracas and into the states of Trujillo, Carabobo, Miranda, and La Guaira. Initial reports indicate that the seismic activity has caused considerable structural damage, with building collapses reported in several locations, though Venezuelan emergency authorities are still working to compile comprehensive damage assessments and casualty figures.
Wisma Putra has maintained active communication channels with Venezuelan authorities and continues to closely track the unfolding situation. The ministry emphasised that its embassy in Caracas remains in constant contact with local emergency services, which are coordinating the response and recovery operations across affected areas. This coordinated approach reflects standard diplomatic protocol during natural disasters, whereby Malaysian missions abroad prioritise the safety of citizens and maintain real-time information flows with host governments.
Malaysians in or travelling through the earthquake-affected areas have been advised to exercise heightened caution and remain alert to their surroundings. The Foreign Ministry has issued explicit instructions for all such individuals to strictly follow safety guidelines and emergency updates disseminated by Venezuelan emergency services. This precautionary stance is particularly important given that aftershocks commonly follow major seismic events, and secondary hazards such as structural instability and potential utility disruptions may persist in the affected zones.
A significant aspect of the ministry's response involves encouraging unregistered Malaysians to immediately record their presence through Malaysia's e-Konsular portal, accessible at https://ekonsular.kln.gov.my. This registration system enables the government to maintain an accurate database of citizens abroad and ensures that consular staff can reach individuals in emergencies. For Malaysian expatriates who may not yet have formalised their presence with the embassy, this represents a critical step toward ensuring their protection and inclusion in official communications.
Malaysians requiring urgent consular support or those with information about other nationals potentially affected by the earthquakes are encouraged to contact the Embassy of Malaysia in Caracas directly. The mission has established dedicated telephone lines at (+58-212) 720 4257 and (+58-424) 222 1338 to field inquiries and coordinate assistance. An email address, [email protected], also remains open for written communications, providing an alternative channel for those unable to reach the embassy by phone.
Venezuela has experienced significant geopolitical and economic turbulence in recent years, which has created a complex environment for Malaysian nationals residing there. The country faces ongoing institutional challenges and humanitarian concerns, making the presence of a functioning Malaysian embassy and active diplomatic engagement even more vital for citizen protection. The swift confirmation of safety for registered Malaysians demonstrates the importance of maintaining official diplomatic presence in strategically significant regions, even during periods of political instability.
The earthquake event highlights broader concerns about natural disaster preparedness in Latin America and the Caribbean region. Venezuela, situated along tectonically active zones, remains vulnerable to seismic activity, and infrastructure vulnerabilities have been exacerbated by years of limited investment in maintenance and modernisation. For Malaysian businesses and individuals operating in Venezuela, such natural disasters underscore the importance of comprehensive contingency planning and maintaining robust communication networks with both local authorities and home-country representatives.
Malaysia's diplomatic mission will continue to provide periodic updates as the situation develops and Venezuelan authorities complete their damage assessments. This ongoing communication commitment reflects the Foreign Ministry's responsibility to keep affected families informed and to ensure that any additional assistance needed by Malaysian nationals can be rapidly mobilised. The incident also reinforces the value of the e-Konsular registration system, which enables timely identification and support for citizens during crises, and encourages Malaysians abroad to maintain updated information with their nearest embassy or consulate.
