24 January 2023

 

Press statement by MCA International Communication & Diplomacy Bureau Deputy Chairman Neow Choo Seong


Mass shooting incident in Monterey Park, California on Lunar New Year’s eve: Vigilance urged among Malaysians in the US


 


MCA strongly condemns the latest mass shooting in Monterey Park in California on the eve of Lunar New Year which killed 10 people. Meanwhile, 10 more people are reportedly wounded.  

It was supposed to be a joyful moment for all communities of Chinese and Asian descent around the world to celebrate the first day of the Lunar New Year.

 

We are aware that California state has the largest Asian American population and is one of the more popular states in the U.S. for travelling Asians, including Malaysians. As such, we are very concerned and disturbed by such a devastating tragedy.

 

We would like to urge all Malaysians across the U.S., especially those who are living in Monterey Park or the nearby cities to remain vigilant and to contact the nearest Malaysian mission for consular assistance should the need arise.

 

MCA is aware that in 2023, there have been at least 36 cases of mass shootings reported across the U.S. thus far. Meanwhile, we are also aware that the U.S. Government is still battling an uphill task in dealing with anti-Asian bigotry and hate crimes.

 

Therefore, MCA hopes that our Embassy in Washington D.C. and Consulate Offices in the U.S. (Los Angeles and New York) will continue to monitor the security situation as well as to provide necessary advisory and timely consular assistance to our citizens from time to time.

 

-MCA online-