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SINGAPORE – The Singapore government on Thursday (March 4) urged its citizens currently in Myanmar to leave the protest-ravaged country as soon as possible.
A statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) also calls on Singaporeans to avoid traveling to Myanmar, where civilians protesting the February 1 military coup have clashed with security forces across the country. .
The United Nations said 38 people were killed on Wednesday in the bloodiest clash since the coup, when police and soldiers opened fire with live ammunition in several cities and towns.
More than 50 people have been killed in their revolt against the military who took control of the democratically elected government last month after arresting its leader Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint.
While Indonesia has carried out shuttle diplomacy and Singapore has said it is “dismayed by the violence,” so far no country in the region has indicated that it would support sanctions or any other measure affecting military finances.
“In view of the rapidly escalating clashes between protesters and Myanmar security forces and the increasing number of civilian casualties in Myanmar, Singaporeans are strongly advised to postpone all travel to Myanmar at this time,” the MFA said. .
“Singaporeans currently in Myanmar should also consider leaving as soon as they can by commercial means while it is still possible.”
There are at least 500 Singaporeans living in Myanmar who have registered with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and some have followed the ministry’s advice to return home.
17-year-old student Ethan Swee returned to Singapore two weeks ago with his mother and younger brother.
“The violence was getting more serious, so it was for our safety,” he said, adding that his father is still working in Yangon and the family worries about him on a daily basis.
Singaporeans in Myanmar told The Straits Times that tension and uncertainty have escalated and the sound of gunfire has become more common in recent days.
Kenneth Lim, 58, a senior executive at a real estate development company who has lived in Yangon for nearly four years, said: “It’s been pretty scary and it’s gotten more tense.”
The MFA said Singaporeans who choose to remain in Myanmar are strongly advised to stay indoors as much as possible and avoid unnecessary travel, particularly to areas where protests are taking place. They are also reminded to remain vigilant and closely monitor the local news.
Mr. Lim has decided to stay in Myanmar for now, as he feels a sense of responsibility towards his company and the employees under him.
“But if it’s really necessary, I won’t hesitate to go,” Lim said, adding that he and some friends from Singapore are deciding whether to stay in accommodation closer to each other so they are not alone.
He checks in with his family in Singapore daily to let them know that he is safe. In the last few days he has only left his apartment to do the shopping and does not leave after 6 in the afternoon.
“There is an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty. We never know what will happen tomorrow, ”he said.
Singaporeans in Myanmar are urged to immediately register on this website to allow the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Singapore Embassy in Yangon to keep in contact with them and provide them with the necessary consular assistance in case of emergencies.
On Tuesday, the foreign ministers of the 10-member ASEAN, which includes Myanmar, called on “all parties to refrain from instigating further violence” and “for a peaceful solution through constructive dialogue.”
While some ministers called for the release of Ms. Suu Kyi and a return to democracy, the statement did not mention her by name and refrained from using the word “coup”. Asean’s attempt to find a way out of the crisis has drawn criticism from within Myanmar, with concerns that it would legitimize the junta and not help the country.
Singaporeans needing consular assistance while in Myanmar should contact the Singapore Embassy in Yangon or the MFA Service Office 24 hours at:
Embassy of the Republic of Singapore in Yangon
238 Dhamazedi Road, Bahan Township, Yangon, Republic of the Union of Myanmar
Tel: + 95-1-9-559-001
Emergency telephone number (after hours): + 95-9-250-863-840
Guard office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (24 hours)
Tel: +65 6379-8800, +65 6379-8855
Fax: +65 6476-7302
Additional information for Tan Tam Mei
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