KUALA LUMPUR: A Malaysian businessman was forced to walk four kilometres through tear gas and street fires after train services were suspended during protests in Paris, France, turning his journey back to the hotel into a harrowing experience.
Mohd Izdiharuddin Sulaiman, managing director of Royal Chef Products (M) Sdn Bhd, said he was caught in the unrest near the Champs-Élysées on Saturday after train services ground to a halt.
"That was the first time I was right in the middle of a riot area.
"I went right through the protests with tear gas, fires and everything. The police were tackling protesters, but they didn't bother me because I was wearing a suit, so they didn't view me as a threat."
Izdiharuddin was in Paris under the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) to participate in Salon International de l'Alimentation (SIAL Paris 2026), an international food and beverage exhibition.
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Despite the unrest, he said he would proceed with his scheduled business meetings at the exhibition, adding that his daily journeys between the hotel and exhibition centre remained relatively safe.
"My family was concerned and asked if I could fly back earlier, but my flight is scheduled as planned.
"My daily travel between the hotel and exhibition centre feels pretty safe, though police presence increases late at night."
He said that although social media reports showed widespread destruction, the damage he saw in Paris was largely confined to smaller retail outlets.
"On my way back, I saw a few small clothing and accessory shops broken into, but not major luxury brand stores. Some luxury brand stores are safe because of heavy security and bulletproof glass," he said.
He added that municipal cleanup crews had cleared away street debris by Monday morning.
Another Malaysian exhibitor, Farmers River International Sdn Bhd managing director Zaini Rahman, said the protests had not disrupted the SIAL Paris exhibition, as the venue was located near the airport on the outskirts of the city.
He said Malaysian delegates attending the food fair remained safe, with the unrest largely confined to central Paris.
"The demonstrations and riots are happening in central Paris. Our venue is far from the commotion, so it has not affected us," he said.
Zaini said 50 Malaysian companies had sent between 100 and 120 delegates, mostly from the food and beverage sector, and all were safe and accounted for.
He said that while central Paris had experienced tense moments over the weekend, protesters were avoiding international business venues and foreign visitors.
"Police are everywhere, especially at central train stations we use to commute. Venue security is also strict, thoroughly checking badges and identity cards," he said.
He added that the Malaysian Embassy had registered all local delegates and issued safety advisories urging them to avoid high-risk protest zones.
Although social media portrayed the situation as chaotic, Zaini said the unrest was localised, and the exhibition had drawn a large crowd of potential buyers after a quieter weekend.
"Social media makes it look chaotic overall, but the unrest is localised to specific areas. Weekend turnout was lower, but the exhibition floor is now very crowded with potential buyers," he said.
The Malaysian delegation is scheduled to return home on Friday.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd