Kin of Sangrur MBBS student stuck in Malaysia await her return

Tribune News Service

Sangrur, March 20

The family of an MBBS student, stuck in Malaysia with 250 others, has been struggling hard to get the girl back home.

“My niece Mahima Gupta (24), an MBBS student from Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, went to Malaysia for a month-long internship at International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, from March 12 to April 20,” said Pardeep Gupta.

“After the rise in Covid cases, the Malaysian authorities cancelled her internship and Mahima booked her return ticket, but her flight was cancelled at the last minute on March 18. Since then she has been at her university hostel, while other 250 Indians are stuck at the airport. We have been requesting the authorities concerned to help us, but nobody is listening,” said Gupta. Mahima, in a message sent to her family, stated: “Our Indian Government has evacuated citizens from worst-hit places like, Iran and Rome. Why it is not taking any steps to bring back those stranded in Malaysia.”

She said many people did not have money or any place to stay. “I urge the Indian Government to immediately look into the matter,” she added.

Others too have sent a video to the government for help. Not a single resident of any other country is stuck here and even Pakistan has rescued their citizens. But only Indians are awaiting help. “We request the Indian Government to help us,” said an Indian. Leader of the Opposition Harpal Singh Cheema said he would request Punjab AAP chief Bhagwant Mann to take up the matter with Minister of External Affairs. “It’s really a serious issue. I request Mann to take up the matter with the minister to rescue all citizens,” said Cheema.