AYER KEROH: Malaysians travelling to Italy and France have been advised to avoid student protest sites amid concerns over their safety and the risk of arrest by the authorities.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said no travel restrictions had been imposed on either country so far.
However, he advised Malaysians to remain vigilant and stay away from areas where demonstrations were taking place.
He said the protests were generally confined to specific routes and locations rather than entire cities such as Paris and Rome.
"There are no travel restrictions at present, but we advise Malaysians to stay away from areas where student demonstrations are taking place daily.
"Travellers should also check the latest situation at their destinations and avoid areas identified as major protest routes," he said after closing the 10th National General Assembly of Persatuan Solidariti Nasional (Persona) today.
It was reported that tens of thousands of students in Italy had joined demonstrations demanding improvements to conditions in their schools.
The protests followed similar demonstrations in France, where students have been protesting against conditions in the country's education system since late September.
Although demonstrations across Italy were largely peaceful, protests in the northwestern city of Turin turned violent, with dozens of demonstrators throwing stones, glass bottles and flares at security personnel, according to witnesses.
Mohamad also advised Malaysians against participating in the demonstrations to avoid the risk of arrest.
He said Malaysians travelling abroad must respect local laws and refrain from activities that could jeopardise their safety.
"They are advised to keep abreast of developments and comply with instructions issued by the authorities throughout their stay in Italy and France," he said.
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