KUALA LUMPUR: All 3,000 Malaysians registered with the Malaysian embassy in France are safe and accounted for amid ongoing nationwide protests, says Malaysian Ambassador to France Datuk Eldeen Husaini Mohd Hashim.
Eldeen said major cities, including Paris, Marseille, Lyon and Lille, had seen large demonstrations, with the number of protesters estimated at between 500,000 and 600,000.
Despite the large turnouts, no Malaysians had been injured or caught up in the unrest, he said.
"As of today, we have around 3,000 Malaysians registered with us in France, including about 300 in Paris and the rest scattered all over. They are mostly students and those working here.
"We are continuously monitoring the situation and contacting our citizens here. As far as we know, there are no injuries and no Malaysians involved in the protests," he told the New Straits Times.
He said the embassy was working closely with French authorities, city hall and the Foreign Ministry to monitor developments and provide assistance.
Eldeen said he had also witnessed a group of young demonstrators while attending an event in central Paris.
"I was walking after attending a forum near the Champs-Élysées when hundreds of protesters rushed through the streets. Most of them were younger, mainly university students.
"While there was concern on my part if the demonstration turned violent, the situation at the time did not escalate into a riot. Champs-Élysées remained relatively safe, though it was unfortunate that a group chose that area to gather."
He added that the demonstrations could continue in the coming days.
"I cannot say if the worst has passed because these protests are ongoing. The demand started over student frustration with the education system, but it has since expanded to cost-of-living issues, gas prices and fuel costs.
"The French government, including the president and prime minister, has publicly addressed the public to calm the situation."
Eldeen advised Malaysians residing in or visiting France to remain vigilant, avoid high-risk protest areas and keep in touch with diplomatic officials.
"For those living in France, the best advice is to completely avoid protest areas unless absolutely necessary. For tourists planning holidays, monitor the situation closely and consider rescheduling non-essential travel until things settle.
"Most importantly, we strongly urge all Malaysian travellers and tourists in France to register with the embassy. Knowing where you are makes it much easier for us to communicate and assist you if you run into trouble."
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd